The government is procuring more than 230,000 additional laptops for public school teachers nationwide as part of efforts to improve classroom instruction and expand the use of digital learning tools.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., together with First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos, led the distribution of laptops to public school teachers in Pangasinan under the Department of Education’s Computerization Program.

Marcos Jr. said the government recognized the sacrifices of teachers, many of whom had to spend their own money to buy computers for their work.

“Una sa lahat, nais ko pasalamatan ang lahat ng guro na narito. Alam namin kung gaano karaming oras, lakas at puso ang ibinibigay ninyo sa inyong trabaho. Sa maraming pagkakataon, tumatayo rin kayong pangalawang magulang sa inyong mga estudyante. Kayo ang gumagabay, nakikinig at nagbibigay ng lakas ng loob sa kanila,” the President said.

He noted that during School Year 2023-2024, only 16 percent of teachers had government-issued laptops.

“I know many of you bought your own, used your own salary just to do the work that you have to do. That should not be your burden anymore,” Marcos said.

The President said the government was procuring more than 230,000 additional laptops to address the shortage.

The procurement package includes delivery, a five-year warranty, software and training. It also generated government savings of around P1.4 billion, which can be used for other education needs.

“With partners such as Apple and the National Educators Academy of the Philippines, we will help you use these tools in your classrooms so you can make the most out of them,” Marcos Jr. said.

In Dagupan City, 209 laptops will be distributed to 10 public schools, including 72 units for Dagupan City National High School.

Marcos Jr. also said the government was working to provide reliable internet access to public schools so teachers and students could maximize the use of the new equipment.

“Because when we provide our teachers with the tools they need for work, we are also ensuring that our children are learning better. We are giving our learners greater opportunities to compete with their peers around the world. And we are ensuring that our learners have a greater chance of winning in life,” he said.

The Chief Executive assured teachers that the government would continue providing the resources needed to improve education.

“We will continue to provide whatever resources it is that you need. And we will make sure that every peso entrusted to the government for our children’s education is spent wisely and properly,” Marcos Jr. said.IMT