DepEd to deliver P1.8B worth of laptops, smart TVs to PH schools

The Department of Education (DepEd) will distribute more than 62,000 laptops and smart TV packages worth P1.8 billion to schools across the country by the second half of 2025. 

In a press release, the DepEd said that the success of Early Procurement Activities (EPA) was a commitment President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. made during his State of the Nation Address to bridge the digital divide.

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

As of February 4, 2025, the agency reported the success of EPA for 23,614 smart TV packages; 33,539 laptops for teachers; and 5,328 laptops for non-teaching personnel.

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

The rollout has continued despite a P10-billion budget cut, which initially hampered DepEd’s computerization program, reducing its original target of 800,000 laptops and smart TVs this year.

The DepEd is closely working with the Department of Finance to restore funds to ensure the uninterrupted implementation of its digital initiatives.

The said initiative aims to improve the country’s low teacher-to-laptop ratio.—Anna Felicia Bajo/LDF, GMA Integrated News