PBBM PROVIDES TEACHERS WITH LAPTOPS TO  STRENGTHEN DIGITAL EDUCATION

PUBLIC school teachers are now equipped with better tools to prepare lessons, use digital teaching resources, and improve classroom instruction, giving Filipino students more engaging learning experiences and greater access to technology as the government expands digital education.

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

During the turnover ceremony, President Marcos recognized the important role of teachers in shaping students’ knowledge and character, saying the government must provide them with the equipment and resources they need to perform their duties effectively.

“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.

President Marcos noted that during School Year 2023-2024, only 16 percent of teachers had government-issued laptops, forcing many to use their personal savings to purchase computers for their work.

“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,” the President said.

To address the shortage, President Marcos announced that the government is procuring more than 230,000 additional laptops for teachers nationwide.

The new laptops will enable teachers to prepare instructional materials, develop more engaging lessons, access digital educational resources, and complete school-related tasks more efficiently. These tools will also help them integrate technology into classroom activities, allowing students to develop their digital skills and benefit from more interactive learning experiences.

The President emphasized that the procurement underwent the proper process and that the government secured the units at prices below their current market value.

The package includes delivery, a five-year warranty, software, and training.

The procurement also generated government savings of around P1.4 billion, which can be allocated to other education needs.

President Marcos stressed the importance of training teachers to maximize the benefits of the new equipment.

“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,” President Marcos said.

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

The President also called on local government units and private sector partners to continue supporting the government’s efforts to improve digital education.

President Marcos said the government is also working to provide reliable internet access to public schools so teachers and students can fully benefit from the new computers.

“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,” the Chief Executive said.

President Marcos assured teachers that the government would continue providing the resources they need to perform their duties.

“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,” the Chief Executive said.

The President urged teachers to continue guiding and inspiring Filipino students to reach their full potential.

“Sa bawat batang inyong tinuturuan, may buhay kayong hinuhubog at pangarap na tinutulungang maabot. At sa bawat bata na inyong ginagabayan, hinuhubog din ninyo ang kinabukasan ng ating bayan,” the President said. “Sabay-sabay nating patibayin ang pundasyon ng ating edukasyon. Kasama dito ang kinabukasan ng bawat batang Pilipino,”  he added.