DepEd set to give out 62K laptops, smart TV

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to distribute more than 62,000 laptops and smart TV packages worth P1.8 billion to schools across 16 regions in the country by the second half of the year despite budget cut.

DepEd s original target for this year was 800,000 laptops and smart TVs but was drastically reduced due to the P10-billion budget cut.

With the backing of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his fiscal management team, DepEd is working closely with the Department of Finance to restore funds, ensuring the uninterrupted implementation of its digital initiatives.

 This year, our computerization programs will continue with the help of President Bongbong and my fellow cabinet members,  Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.

Angara said, their goal is for each school to have an  e-cart  or roving computer lab that all students can use along with software tools to support teachers.

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

DepEd did not include the specific figures in its latest release but based on a report from the Senate last year, it was revealed that the teacher-to-computer ratio is 1:30 while the student-to-computer ratio is 1:9.

According to DepEd, the Year 2 report by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) also 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.

Aside from that, laptops are expected to enhance students  learning assessments by familiarizing them with online platforms, sharpening their technological navigation skills, and strengthening problem-solving abilities.

As of February 4, 2025, DepEd has reported the success of Early Procurement Activities for 23,614 smart TV packages, 33,539 laptops for teachers, and 5,328 laptops for non-teaching personnel.

Region IV-A (CALABARZON), Region VI (Western Visayas) and Region VIII (Eastern Visayas) received the highest allocation for the ICT equipment according to DepEd.   FPL (CEBU NEWS)