Kimberly Capuyan

The Department of Education (DepEd) announced on September 10 the allocation of PhP 12.6 billion to implement a computerization program and boost the digitalization of Philippine schools during its proposed P793.177-billion budget hearing.

Photo Courtesy of DepEd.

This budget will fund the provision of e-learning (eLC) packages, smart TV units, laptops for teaching and non-teaching personnel, and school-wide internet connectivity. 

“With newer technologies, students can benefit from digital tools, and perhaps their work from home can even be monitored by their teachers,” DepEd Secretary Juan Miguel “Sonny” Angara said.

According to the Commissioners of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), DepEd’s computerization program’s obligation rate was 50%, while the disbursement rate was 12%.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian questioned DepEd’s ability to fully implement the computerization program during the hearing.

“I appreciate Secretary Sonny’s vision in embracing technology. But without computers, as well as internet connectivity, we cannot harness the full potential of EdTech,” Gatchalian said.

Angara asked for an additional P9.2 billion to its proposed digitalization budget as more than 18,000 schools still don’t have internet access.

“We want [to] speed up the process. This is a priority of the President and the department seeing how increased digitalization can help us leapfrog some of the traditional resource gaps given some schools are doing double and triple shifting,” Angara said.

The DepEd promised early procurement of computers and construction of schools, better targeting, and better strategic planning. 

The agency added that they aim to create a new strand in the department solely for planning and technology.

Angara also said the agency will seek support from local government units (LGUs) to mobilize its computerization program.

“Many LGUs have already been providing IT packages and computer equipment to their schools. I’m sure, with the continued LGU support, it can help accelerate the rollout of digital tools and ensure more students and teachers have access to the technology,” he said.

Aside from digitalization, the EDCOM 2 also addressed the electrification of classrooms in the Philippines during the hearing.

“We’re looking at two figures: schools that lack computers and schools that lack electricity. There’s no point in jumping into all the schools that lack computers if the electricity issue hasn’t even been [resolved],” Sen. Pia Cayetano said.

EDCOM 2 revealed that the Philippines is among the few countries in East and Southeast Asia that have not yet achieved universal access of schools to electricity.

The commission reiterated its importance because the Programme for International Assessment (Pisa) and other international education assessments are conducted through computerized tests.

Angara replied that the DepEd is looking into solar energy as one of the newer technologies and its possible allocation to last-mile schools. 

According to the data by EDCOM 2, 1,755 sites still need electricity. 

Meanwhile, the 2024 General Appropriations Act reports 273 sites targeted for electrification, with only 45 sites projected to be completed by December 2024, pointing to a 4% completion rate.