‘DepEd saved P1.4 billion in laptop procurement for teachers’

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education saved at least P1.4 billion in procuring more than 231,000 laptops for public school teachers through open and competitive bidding, according to DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara.

The procurement covers 172,654 Apple MacBook Neo laptops for public school teachers and administrative staff nationwide and 62,717 Windows-based laptops for teachers.

The competitive bidding allowed the department to secure lower prices while including a five-year extended warranty to ensure the laptops remain operational for long-term educational use.

“We did not just save Filipino taxpayers at least P1.4 billion compared to standard retail prices, we also secured an extended five-year warranty,” said Angara.

DepEd procured the laptops through 78 contracts, with prices varying by supplier.

Unit prices ranged from approximately P41,200 to P42,700 for MacBook Neo laptops and P41,000 to P42,200 for Windows-based laptops, within the approved budget ceiling of P42,718 per unit.

Aside from the five-year warranty, the package includes productivity tools, nationwide delivery and professional training for recipients.

DepEd estimates the complete package has a commercial value of more than P70,000 per unit.

Laptop distribution will begin on Nov. 9, with suppliers given until March 2027 to deliver all required units.

DepEd will soon issue distribution guidelines prioritizing schools who have yet to receive government-issued laptops. These include first-time recipients who serve as educational technology champions or help teachers use technology in the classroom.