In a significant move to enhance educational technology, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced on February 14, 2025, that it will begin distributing laptops and smart televisions to public schools across the country starting in the latter half of the year. This initiative, valued at approximately PHP1.8 billion, aims to equip schools with essential digital tools to foster a more technologically advanced learning environment.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the continuation of the computerization program, supported by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and other Cabinet members. The goal is to ensure that every school has access to a mobile ‘e-cart’ or roving computer lab, making technology accessible to all students. The swift acquisition of these devices was facilitated by the Early Procurement Activities (EPA) implemented in the first half of Angara’s term.
The distribution plan prioritizes certain regions, with Region 4-A (Calabarzon), Western Visayas, and Eastern Visayas receiving the largest allocations of ICT resources. In addition to hardware, the DepEd is also providing various software tools to aid teachers in their educational efforts.
As of February 4, the department had already secured orders for 23,614 smart TV packages, 33,539 laptops for teachers, and 5,328 laptops for non-teaching staff, demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing the technological infrastructure of public schools.