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Over 9,000 laptops delivered as DepEd accelerates digital rollout
More than 9,000 laptops have been delivered to public school teachers across the country as part of the Department of Education's (DepEd) push to modernize classroom learning through the 2025 DepEd Computerization Program (DCP), data from the agency show.
As of the second quarter of the year, DepEd confirmed the delivery of 9,466 laptops to teaching personnel and 3,255 laptops to non-teaching staff. The department also reported that 6,634 Smart TV packages — out of the 25,949 unitsprocured nationwide—have been distributed to various schools.
The faster-than-usual rollout was attributed to the agency's use of Early Procurement Activities (EPA), a mechanism that allows procurement processes to begin even before the approval of the national budget.
This approach, according to DepEd, enabled the early awarding of nearly 80% of the DCP's total budget for 2025.
According to William Roderick R. Fallorin, Schools Division Superintendent of Zambales, this year's delivery timeline is a significant improvement compared to previous years.
'Kung matatandaan niyo, late na dumarating yung mga laptops natin. Usually pagdating sa schools, hindi na 100% functional. O minsan, hindi na rin umaabot sa full lifespan nila,' he said.
(If you recall, our laptops used to arrive late. By the time they arrive, they weren't fully functional. Sometimes, they didn't even last their full intended lifespan.)
Fallorin noted that with earlier delivery, teachers are now able to maximize the use of devices during their peak performance period.
'Kung ang shelf life ay two years, at least ngayon, magagamit talaga ng teacher buong two years,' he said.
(If the shelf life is two years, teachers can now actually use it for the full duration.)
He also highlighted the importance of national support in areas with limited local funding. In provinces like Zambales, he said, local government units often lack the resources to purchase equipment independently.
'Gusto naming bigyan ng laptops ang mga guro, pero hindi kaya ng lokal na pondo. Kaya malaking bagay na dumating nang maaga ang mga ito,' he added.
(We want to provide laptops to our teachers, but local budgets can't support that. That's why receiving these devices early is a big help.)
DepEd has credited the EPA approach for reducing logistical delays that historically hampered the deployment of learning tools. In previous years, deliveries often took place mid-year, resulting in limited usability before devices required maintenance or replacement.
Still, education stakeholders continue to monitor how effectively schools are integrating the new tools into classrooms and how support systems are being established for device maintenance and training.
DepEd has not yet released a full assessment of the EPA implementation across regions, though officials say a technical report is currently being finalized.
Fallorin, speaking on behalf of school administrators in the field, expressed appreciation for the shift in approach but also emphasized the need for continued coordination across central and regional offices.
The 2025 DCP is part of a broader plan to enhance digital readiness in public education, with additional deliveries expected in the coming months. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
