The Department of Education (DepEd) said it secured at least P1.4 billion in savings compared with retail prices in its procurement of more than 231,000 laptops through competitive public bidding.
DepEd secretary Sonny Angara said the procurement covers 169,008 Mac-based and 62,717 Windows-based laptops. The package includes 3,646 Mac-based units for administrative officers.
Distribution will begin on Nov. 9, with suppliers required to complete deliveries to beneficiary schools by March 2027.
DepEd awarded 78 contracts to four suppliers of Mac-based laptops and two suppliers of Windows-based laptops.
Unit prices varied by bidder, ranging from about P41,200 to P42,700 for the MacBook Neo and P41,000 to P42,200 for Windows laptops.
The prices were within the approved budget ceiling of P42,718 per unit.
“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 said.
“Our educators deserve reliable, high-performing technology without the government overpaying a single centavo.”
The package includes a five-year warranty, productivity tools, nationwide delivery, and training for recipients. DepEd estimates the complete package’s commercial value at more than P70,000 per unit.
The department said it used competitive public bidding rather than negotiated procurement. It also conducted market scoping and revised technical specifications to encourage more suppliers to participate.
DepEd will issue distribution guidelines prioritizing schools and teachers who have yet to receive government-issued laptops, particularly first-time recipients who promote educational technology or help other teachers use it in the classroom.
Schools and division offices will verify recipients’ eligibility.
