Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the Department of Education (DepEd) generated at the very least PHP1.4 billion in savings compared to retail prices in procuring more than 231,000 laptops for public school teachers through an open and competitive bidding.
The procurement covers 169,008 Mac-based and 62,717 Windows-based laptops for teachers. The package includes 3,646 Mac based units for administrative officers.
Aside from significant cost reductions, Angara pushed for the inclusion of an unprecedented five-year extended warranty to ensure that technology used for long-term educational services remains fully operational over extended periods.
The distribution of the laptops will begin on November 9 and suppliers have until March 2027 to deliver all the required quantities to the beneficiary schools.
“Under the mandate of President Bongbong Marcos, every resource entrusted to us must directly and efficiently benefit our teachers and learners with absolute transparency,” Angara said.
“By opening the process to fair, competitive bidding rather than restrictive procurement, we did not just save Filipino taxpayers at least ₱1.4 billion compared to standard retail prices, we also secured an extended five-year warranty that protects these vital tools for years to come,” Angara added. “Our educators deserve reliable, high-performing technology without the government overpaying a single centavo.”
DepEd procured the laptops through 78 contracts, with prices varying by bidder. Unit prices ranged from approximately ₱41,200 to ₱42,700 for MacBook Neo and ₱41,000 to ₱42,200 for Windows laptops, within the approved budget ceiling of ₱42,718—or roughly ₱43,000 per unit.
Angara explained that DepEd achieved these results by competitive public bidding and not through negotiated procurement. DepEd broadened the competition through robust Market Scoping activities and updated technical specifications to encourage more suppliers to submit bids.
This approach created a more level playing field, driving stronger supplier competition that lowered prices and delivered superior value to the government. Contracts were awarded to four Mac-based laptop suppliers and two Windows-based laptop suppliers.
The package includes five-year warranty coverage—an extended protection service typically purchased at additional cost—along with productivity tools, nationwide delivery, and professional training for recipients. DepEd estimates the complete package’s commercial value at more than ₱70,000 per unit.
The distribution of the laptops will begin on November 9 and suppliers have until March 2027 to deliver all the required quantities to the beneficiary schools.
DepEd will soon issue distribution guidelines prioritizing schools and teachers yet to receive government-issued laptops, particularly first-time recipients who are educational technology champions or help fellow teachers use technology in the classroom. Schools and division offices will verify recipients’ eligibility.
