(Photo courtesy of PNA)
DAGUPAN CITY — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, November 9, led the launch of a nationwide laptop distribution program that will provide more than 231,000 devices to public school teachers as part of efforts to improve digital learning and reduce administrative workloads.
Accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and Education Secretary Sonny Angara, the President oversaw the ceremonial turnover of 209 Apple MacBook Neo laptops to 10 public schools in Dagupan City, marking the start of the rollout under the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Computerization Program.
“Today, I am happy to be able to report that we are currently procuring more than 230,000 additional laptops for our teachers. This will consist of around 169,000 Apple Macbook Neo units, and more than 62,000 Acer units,” Marcos said.
The President also announced the procurement of additional laptops for administrative personnel to improve the processing of school documents and other operational requirements.
“In addition, we also procured around 3,600 Apple Macbook Neo laptops for the admin staff so they can process the necessary paperwork faster to help keep our schools running efficiently,” he added.
According to DepEd, a total of 231,725 laptops have been allocated for public school teachers, consisting of 169,008 MacBook Neo units and 62,717 Windows-based devices.
Another 3,646 MacBook Neo laptops will be distributed to school administrative officers.
Marcos said the initiative would help teachers integrate digital technology into classroom instruction, pursue professional development and accomplish school-related tasks more efficiently.
Angara emphasized that providing educators with modern equipment would help address longstanding challenges, particularly the lack of access to reliable technology and the burden of administrative work.
Each laptop package includes built-in productivity applications, nationwide delivery, professional training and a five-year extended warranty.
DepEd said the packages have an estimated commercial value exceeding Php 70,000 each.
The department also reported savings of at least Php 1.4 billion compared with standard retail prices through competitive public bidding.
To help teachers maximize the use of the devices, DepEd and the National Educators Academy of the Philippines will implement GuroXL, a technology training program designed to strengthen digital teaching skills.
The program will provide opportunities for educators to obtain Apple Teacher certifications and specialized technology leadership credentials.
Teachers who received laptops during the initial distribution welcomed the initiative.
Myleen Boquiren of East Central Integrated School said the device would help improve her classroom instruction and daily responsibilities.
“I personally can better my job and my instructions with my students. Thank you, DepEd and thank you, President,” Boquiren said.
Marjorie Mendoza, a Values Education teacher, said the government-issued laptop would ease her workload, particularly in preparing lessons and completing school paperwork.
Mendoza said she had previously relied on her personal laptop to accomplish these tasks.
“This is really very helpful. Thank you so much,” she said.
Under DepEd’s distribution guidelines, priority will be given to public schools and teachers who have not previously received government-issued laptops, particularly those involved in educational technology initiatives.
Schools will submit their lists of qualified recipients through the Teacher Assignment for Laptop Allocation (TALA) system, a new platform designed to manage device allocation, inventory and property records.
DepEd said suppliers have until March 2027 to complete the delivery of laptops to beneficiary schools nationwide.
The nationwide rollout forms part of the administration’s efforts to strengthen digital education, improve teaching efficiency and expand access to technology in public schools.
