The Department of Education (DepEd) has started releasing outdated laptops from its warehouses for distribution to various offices.
According to DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara, over 50% of the laptops stored in the agency’s warehouses have been released, while the rest are still being prepared for delivery to different locations.
The DepEd has sought assistance from the Philippine Air Force to transport the laptops to remote areas, while some local government units have also offered help in delivering the computers to DepEd offices and schools.
Secretary Angara previously disclosed that approximately 1.5 million units of laptops and other equipment have been left in storage since the tenure of former Secretary Leonor Briones between 2020 and 2021.
The secretary stressed the need to expedite the distribution, citing the laptops’ limited lifespan.
Due to the prolonged storage, many of these devices may have already surpassed their lifespan.
Despite being outdated, DepEd’s Information and Technology team has found ways to ensure that the laptops can still be used.