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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider From 27 to 60: DepEd breaks 10-year textbook gridlock, EDCOM 2 lauds efficient procurement

From 27 to 60: DepEd breaks 10-year textbook gridlock, EDCOM 2 lauds efficient procurement

Published Sep 16, 2025 09:43 pm
DepEd breaks a 10-year textbook gridlock, delivering 60 new titles in 2024. EDCOM 2 lauds reforms for faster, transparent, and efficient textbook procurement. (DepEd / MB Visual Content Group)
DepEd breaks a 10-year textbook gridlock, delivering 60 new titles in 2024. EDCOM 2 lauds reforms for faster, transparent, and efficient textbook procurement. (DepEd / MB Visual Content Group)
The Department of Education (DepEd) has achieved a major milestone in delivering essential learning materials to Filipino students, earning commendation from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) on Tuesday, September 16.
In 2024 alone, EDCOM 2 noted that DepEd successfully procured and delivered 60 new textbook titles, more than doubling the 27 titles acquired in the previous decade (2014–2023).
This dramatic improvement follows key recommendations from EDCOM 2 aimed at addressing long-standing bottlenecks in the textbook procurement system.
“We all know that textbooks are essential inputs for improved learner outcomes. I understand that P12 billion will be allocated next year, and there’s also a proposal to allocate more. I support this,” said Senator and EDCOM 2 Commissioner Win Gatchalian.
Streamlining procurement for faster delivery
EDCOM 2 noted that DepEd’s textbook procurement overhaul has reduced the timeline from 210 days to just 60 days.
A major reform includes pre-accrediting and pre-selecting private sector-developed titles instead of creating manuscripts from scratch annually, EDCOM 2 said.
This approach not only speeds up delivery but also supports the local publishing industry, as envisioned under the Book Development Law, it added.
DepEd also reported that regional offices now have the authority to select titles from a central menu and manage procurement locally, allowing for more responsive and efficient distribution of textbooks.
Logistical challenges have been addressed by integrating delivery directly into suppliers’ contracts, eliminating the problem of materials stranded in warehouses, DepEd added.
Ensuring transparency and accountability
While decentralization allows for faster textbook delivery, lawmakers emphasize the importance of accountability.
Senator Bam Aquino, while supporting regional-level delivery, stressed that safeguards remain crucial. “We want to decentralize, but we need more bidding and more transparent processes as well,” he added.
A victory for Filipino learners
These reforms mark a historic turning point for basic education in the Philippines, according to EDCOM 2.
By ensuring quality textbooks reach classrooms on time, DepEd and EDCOM 2 continue to move closer to fulfilling the promise of accessible, high-quality education for every Filipino child.

Related Tags

DepEd textbook procurement EDCOM 2 commendation Philippine education reforms Filipino students learning materials DepEd textbook delivery 2024 Fast-track textbook procurement Local publishing industry support
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