DepEd distributing 62,000 laptops, TV sets in Q2

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) will roll out 62,000 laptops and smart TV packages worth P1.8 billion for public schools across 16 regions by the second half of the year as part of its computerization program.

DepEd data showed that as of this month, the agency has procured 23,614 smart TV packages, 33,539 laptops for teachers and 5,328 laptops for non-teaching personnel.

Calabarzon, Western Visayas and Eastern Visayas received the highest allocation for school technology equipment.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the rollout continues despite a P10-billion budget cut that initially hampered DepEd’s computerization program, reducing its original target of 800,000 laptops and smart TVs for the year.

Angara said DepEd has been working closely with the Department of Finance to restore funds, ensuring an uninterrupted implementation of its digital initiatives.

“Our goal is for each school to have an ‘e-cart’ or roving computer lab that all students can use. Additionally, we are providing various software tools to support our teachers,” Angara said.

The initiative aims to improve the country’s low teacher-to-laptop ratio, which remains a challenge.

The “Year 2” report by the Second Congressional Commission on Education or EDCOM II emphasized that better access to technology empowers teachers to be more effective, particularly in regions where alternative learning setups remain necessary due to natural calamities.

Apart from benefiting teachers, the laptops are expected to enhance students’ learning assessments by familiarizing them with online platforms, sharpening their technological navigation skills, and strengthening problem-solving abilities, the DepEd chief said.