(Photo from Department of Education)
Firmly pursuing digital and technological advancement in education, the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. through the Department of Education (DepEd) continues to expand computerization in the teaching-learning system in the country, including the remote Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
As part of the DepEd Computerization Program (DCP), Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara handed over 15 laptops last October 21, 2024 to the teachers of Pag-asa Integrated School on the said island, located in the municipality of Kalayaan in Palawan.
The education chief said, “With this technology, we hope to lighten the workload of our teachers and unlock the potential of our learners. President Bongbong Marcos has directed us to harness modern tools to strengthen education and uplift the future of our youth.”
The DepEd said the DCP implementation in the far-flung school reflects the Marcos Jr. administration’s efforts to promote inclusive development. It also underscores the department’s goal to reach every learner—no matter how remote their community—ensuring that quality education is accessible across the archipelago.
“This mission embodies our dedication to ensuring that no Filipino learner is left behind… President Marcos Jr. and the DepEd are committed to developing even the most isolated areas, ensuring access to education for everyone,” Secretary Angara emphasized.
Overview of DepEd Computerization Program
The DepEd is taking the necessary steps to realize the goals of the Marcos Jr. administration’s computerization program for the education sector.
The DCP provides public schools with technology that would enhance the teaching-learning process and meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Specifically, it aims to provide all public schools with computer laboratory packages, smart TV packages, relevant and necessary software, hardware, training and other program support, and Information and Communication (ICT) infrastructure and systems, among others.
The department added that the following are the objectives of the DCP:
-Provide ICT packages to public schools that are responsive to the needs of the K-12 curriculum;
-Integrate ICT in the teaching and learning process;
-Raise the ICT literacy of learners, pupils, students, teachers and school heads;
-Improve computer-to-student ratio in the public schools; and
-Improve the replacement cycle of ICT packages.
Continued program, grateful beneficiaries
Learners, parents and those in the teaching community have thanked the DepEd and President Marcos Jr. for the computerization program.
The learning-teaching community of La Suerte High School in Angadanan, Isabela said, “The faculty and staff are grateful and delighted with the new set of technology that is of great help to the teaching-learning process. The school has just received 46 units of laptops today, with the inclusion of a laptop bag, mouse, headphone, a 58″ SmartTV, storage cart, router, and an external hard drive… Maraming salamat po!”
The community of Sultan Lindongan Primary School in Tangcal municipality, Lanao del Norte, said, “We’re beyond grateful to DEPED Computerization Program (DCP) and DepEd-LDN for providing us with 5 brand-new laptops! These will be a huge help in making our work easier and more efficient as we continue to serve our learners. Thank you for supporting us in creating a better future through education! Thank you to PBBM!”
The message from Marcilla Integrated School in Coron, Palawan, read: “Our MIS has received the DCP package: 5 units of Lenovo Thinkpad laptop, 5 units of 65″ Smart TV, 5 hard drive (5) terrabyte. Thank you very much, DepEd and President Marcos Jr!”
In an interview by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Principal Randy Rosales of the Claro M. Recto Information and Communication Technology High School (CMRICTHS) in Angeles City, Pampanga, said, “Nagpapasalamat po kami sa DCP ng administrasyon, sa pamumuno nina DepEd Secretary Angara at President Bongbong Marcos Jr. Salamat po talaga sa kanila, dahil nagkaroon po kami ng pribilehiyo ngayon, na ang pagkatuto ng mga bata sa technology ay talagang nag-ma-materialize. Nahahawakan nila, nagagamit nila, at nakakapag-access sila at talagang ‘yung itinuturo ni teacher ay na-vi-visualize o nakikita nila mismo.”
The school’s ICT Coordinator, Mari Mia Sorian, added, “Through the DCP, we provide the learners the necessary tools which are the machines, the computers themselves. With this, makakasabay ang mga estudyante sa kung ano ang nasa trend, sa kung ano ang nasa generation nila. We use the full techniques in the teaching and learning process. Hindi na sila na-le-left behind. ‘Yung knowledge na na-a-acquire nila ay magagamit nila in the real world of work soon, which they will join after studying….”
Meanwhile, Gabrielle Dueñas, a Grade 9 student of CMRICTHS, said, “The DCP is here and is helping us. We are now working individually and we can execute many different things faster and with convenience. And we can execute them comfortably. To summarize, the most noticeable change being a student in the ICT with the help of DCP is in the accountability of the students. With the use of DCP, we can study ICT in a hands-on way. And with that, students will not experience any struggles anymore. Lalo na po, mahirap intindihin ang ICT if you don’t have the proper equipment and devices.”
Dueñas added, “In the near future, I believe that technology will be a dominant aspect. We are in a modern world right now, that’s why ICT is helpful for us. That’s why I’m grateful.”
Another student, Alma R., shared, “I am confident that this computerization program will pave the way for us to realize our full potential and will help us succeed in life after we graduate from school. Thank you very much, President Marcos Jr. and Secretary Angara.”
These are just some of the thousands of schools that have already benefited from the DCP, even as the program continues to be implemented and expanded all over the archipelago.
Onward with DCP
Secretary Angara said that under the DCP, some 800,000 gadgets will be purchased and distributed to the various schools.
He underscored, “In this world, even if you are not a college graduate, if you are an expert in computers, there will be available jobs for you. And with a few short courses or micro-credentials that the President is referring to, you can easily get a job. But you need to have a foundation of digital skills.”
President Marcos Jr. has emphasized the importance of education as the greatest legacy to be passed on to the young Filipinos.
He said, “Bilang ama, edukasyon ang pinakamahalagang pamana na maaari naming iwanan sa inyo. Walang materyal na bagay na makakatumbas sa halaga ng edukasyon. Ito ang huhubog sa inyong kakayahang harapin ang anumang hamon ng buhay at makapaglingkod nang tapat sa ating bansa.”
“Through our integrated efforts, we can create a future where no learner is left behind, and every Filipino child can flourish in an increasingly complex world,” he added.
“By honing their essential learning competencies, we can equip our students with the foundational skills required to become visionaries, critical thinkers, problem solvers—qualities essential to the progress of our nation in the modern world,” President Marcos Jr. said.
