Efficient, inclusive distribution of gadgets to public schools pushed

MANILA, Philippines — Public school teachers urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to prioritize efficiency and inclusivity in the distribution of 62,000 laptops and smart TV packages to schools to ensure equitable access for all students.

In a statement, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) welcomed DepEd’s promise to distribute the P1.8 billion worth of equipment to public schools, emphasizing the critical need for technology in today’s classrooms.

“In today’s classrooms, technology plays a crucial role in enhancing teaching and learning, and we recognize the importance of providing teachers and students with modern ICT materials,” the TDC said.

However, the group urged DepEd to ensure the equipment meets high-quality standards, stressing that the tools should be “functional, of good quality and truly beneficial for classroom use.”

“We urge DepEd to prioritize efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity in the distribution process to bridge—not widen—the digital divide in our schools,” the TDC added, noting that all teachers and classrooms must be equipped with the necessary technological tools for the effective integration of ICT in education.

Last week, DepEd announced the rollout of 62,000 laptops and smart TV packages worth P1.8 billion in public schools across 16 regions, scheduled for the second half of the year as part of its computerization program.

As of this month, DepEd has procured 23,614 smart TV packages, 33,539 laptops for teachers, and 5,328 laptops for non-teaching personnel.

The Calabarzon, Western Visayas and Eastern Visayas regions received the highest allocations of ICT equipment.

Due to a P10-billion budget cut, the original target of distributing 800,000 laptops and smart TVs has been scaled back.

According to the Year 2 report by the Second Congressional Commission on Education, better access to technology significantly boosts the effectiveness of teachers, especially in areas where alternative learning setups are crucial due to natural calamities.