QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to distribute 62,000 laptops and smart TVs, valued at P1.8 billion, to public schools nationwide as part of its ongoing computerization program aimed at bridging the digital divide in classrooms.
Utilizing the Early Procurement Activity (EPA), DepEd has secured the necessary devices ahead of the official budget release.
“We will not wait for the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2025 to commence the procurement process,” said Marcelino Veloso III, Assistant Secretary for Information and Communications at DepEd, during the “Bangon, Bayang Mahal” teleradyo program of Radyo Pilipinas.
“Once the official budget is released, we can award the contract to the winning bidder,” he added.
The distribution will prioritize schools that have not received similar technology in the past five years, ensuring an equitable allocation across 47,000 educational institutions.
Laptops will be designated specifically for teachers to enhance digital learning.
Veloso also noted that the smart TVs are expected to arrive at recipient schools and division offices by May, June, or July, depending on the supplier’s timeline.
“We hope to deliver these by the start of the school year,” the official said.
This initiative underscores DepEd’s commitment to improving educational resources and digital literacy among Filipino students and teachers. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
