DepEd saves ₱1.4B in landmark procurement of laptops via open bidding

MANILA, Philippines— The Department of Education (DepEd) saved at least P1.4 billion in procuring more than 231,000 laptops for public school teachers through an open and competitive bidding instead of through a negotiated procurement, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said in a statement on Friday.

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.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: DepEd: Over 172,000 teachers, staff to get Apple laptops

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

“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. Our educators deserve reliable, high-performing technology without the government overpaying a single centavo,” he added.

DepEd procured the laptops through 78 contracts, with unit prices varying by bidder, from approximately ₱41,200 to ₱42,700 for a MacBook Neo and ₱41,000 to ₱42,200 for a Windows laptop — all well within the approved budget ceiling of ₱42,718, or roughly ₱43,000 per unit.

DepEd broadened the competition through robust Market Scoping activities and updated technical specifications to encourage more suppliers to submit bids.

Article continues after this advertisement

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.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Angara cites progress in learning recovery, tech upgrades

The package includes five-year warranty coverage — an extended protection service typically purchased at an 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 Nov. 9, and suppliers have until March 2027 to deliver all the units to the beneficiary schools.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.


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. /atm