DepEd deploys smart TVs, laptops ahead of school opening
Several public schools across the country have been equipped with new learning tools such as Smart TVs, laptops and textbooks as the Department of Education (DepEd) accelerates its efforts to modernize education under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s digital transformation agenda.
In response to the President's call for a future-ready and inclusive education system, the Education Department has fast-tracked its Early Procurement Activities (EPA).
One of the beneficiaries, Pagalanggang Elementary School in Bataan, recently received five Smart TV units.
School principal Jocelyn Reyes said the devices will significantly boost reading instruction.
'Napakalaking tulong po niyan talaga para mapabasa namin ang mga bata namin (That's a huge help for us to get our children to read.),' Reyes said.
The deliveries form part of DepEd's FY 2025 EPA, which has secured 79 percent of the annual budget for the agency's Computerization Program. To date, 33,539 laptops for teachers and 5,360 for non-teaching staff have been procured, with deliveries ongoing.
Nearly 26,000 Smart TV packages — each including external hard drives — have also been acquired. Region VII is set to receive over 2,300 units, while procurement continues for Regions IX and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). In the National Capital Region, 1,340 laptops will be distributed to 268 schools between June 16 and 26.
Secretary Angara emphasized that the true value of procurement lies in its impact on the ground.
'Hindi lang ito basta pag-deliver ng gamit, ito'y paghahatid ng oportunidad,' he said. 'Kapag dumadating na talaga sa mga paaralan ang mga kagamitan, doon natin nararamdaman ang tunay na pagbabago. Mas nagiging buhay ang pagkatuto, mas naaabot ng mga bata, at mas nakakagana para sa mga guro.'
Beyond hardware, DepEd is also fast-tracking the delivery of textbooks aligned with the revised K to 10 curriculum.
Titles for Grades 1, 4, and 7 are now 99 percent procured, while procurement for Grades 2, 5, and 8 is nearing 50 percent completion. Textbooks for Grades 6, 9, and 10 are expected to follow later this year, with distribution scheduled for 2026.
Schools continue to utilize various supplementary learning resources, including lesson exemplars, activity sheets, ADM modules, and decodable books available in Library Hubs. Digital content is accessible through platforms such as the DepEd Learning Management System, Learning Resource Portal, and the Likha App.
Educators on the ground say the early deployment of learning tools marks a shift toward proactive classroom management — a key aspect of quality education. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
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