Manila distributes 397 laptops, 133 smart TVs to public schools
(Photo courtesy of Manila PIO)
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno" Domagoso on Monday, Dec. 1, launched the “One Smart TV = One Classroom” program and led the distribution of smart televisions and laptops to public elementary schools as part of the city’s renewed push for digital learning.
At a turnover ceremony held at the San Andres Sports Complex, Domagoso, together with Vice Mayor Chi Atienza and SDO-Manila OIC-Superintendent Dr. Nerissa R. Lomeda, distributed 397 laptops and 133 smart TVs to 72 public elementary schools.
The initiative prioritizes Kindergarten classrooms to strengthen early literacy and digital familiarity among young learners.
Domagoso said the city realigned P143 million from the 2025 Special Education Fund to purchase digital equipment, dropping what he called non-essential and cosmetic expenses that do not directly benefit students and teachers.
He said the move was approved by the Manila City School Board last July 9.
“That day, all the palamuti-palamuti na hindi naman mabubusugan ang mata ng sinumang makakakita, isinantabi ko, winalis. Kinuha lahat ng (I set aside and removed all the decorative or unnecessary items that would not satisfy anyone’s eyes). I took all the unnecessary expenses and redirected them to equip our teachers in the classrooms today,” he said, emphasizing the importance of directing resources to classrooms.
The mayor also reminded teachers that Manila once led the country in digital education, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the city became the most compliant LGU in shifting to online learning.
He recalled that former Education Secretary Leonor “Liling” Briones had encouraged other local government units to follow Manila’s example in providing laptops to teachers and tablets to students.
“We were once No. 1, we were once the model, the North Star. We did it before, we can do it again — because together we can make Manila great again,” Domagoso said.
City hall officials said the turnover marks the first phase of a broader digital learning initiative set to expand further in 2026.