The Department of Education (DepEd) plans to provide mobile computer laboratories to every public school across the country as part of its efforts to strengthen its computerization program.
In a statement issued on Feb. 14, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said the agency’s computerization programs will continue this year with the support of President Marcos and members of the Cabinet.
“Our goal is for each school to have an ‘e-cart’ or roving computer lab that all students can use,” Angara said.
Aimed at bridging the digital divide, the roving labs aim to provide students—especially those in remote and underprivileged areas—with access to essential technology and digital learning resources.
The “e-carts” are expected to be equipped with laptops, internet connectivity, and educational software, the initiative seeks to enhance digital literacy and modernize classroom instruction.
“Additionally, we are providing various software tools to support our teachers,” Angara added.
He also emphasized that the initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to integrate technology into the education system and ensure inclusive learning for all students.
Over 60K laptops, smart TVs for delivery
Meanwhile, DepEd announced that it will soon begin distributing more than 62,000 laptops and smart TV packages worth P1.8 billion to schools across 16 regions by the second half of the year.
DepEd attributed this progress to the success of Early Procurement Activities (EPA), a commitment made by President Marcos during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) to bridge the digital divide.
President Marcos previously noted that while the government continues to address the classroom gap, efforts to close the digital gap must be pursued with “equal intensity.”
The President also vowed to equip students with computers, smart TVs, essential software programs, digital books, and access to reliable power and internet services. DepEd’s Computerization Program (DCP) is considered a “key component” of this initiative.
Faster procurement
DepEd noted that the faster procurement of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources was made possible after Angara prioritized it during his first six months in office.
As of Feb. 4, DepEd reported that a total of 23,614 smart TV packages, 33,539 laptops for teachers, and 5,328 laptops for non-teaching personnel had been allocated. Regions IV-A (CALABARZON), VI (Western Visayas), and VIII (Eastern Visayas) received the highest distribution of ICT equipment.
DepEd said the rollout continues despite a P10-billion budget cut that initially hampered its computerization program, reducing its original target of 800,000 laptops and smart TVs for the year.
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With the backing of President Marcos and his fiscal management team, DepEd is working closely with the Department of Finance (DOF) to restore funding and ensure the uninterrupted implementation of its digital initiatives.
Addressing the challenge
DepEd acknowledged that the provision of these devices aims to improve the country’s low teacher-to-laptop ratio, which remains a challenge.
Citing the Year 2 report from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), DepEd reiterated the need for better access to technology, emphasizing that it empowers teachers to be “more effective, particularly in regions where alternative learning setups are necessary due to natural calamities.”
Beyond benefiting teachers, DepEd said the laptops are also expected to “enhance students’ learning experiences by familiarizing them with online platforms, improving their technological skills, and strengthening their problem-solving abilities.”
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