The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) raised critical issues in the digitalization and electrification of schools during the Department of Education’s (DepEd) budget hearing on Tuesday.
In a news release published Wednesday, EDCOM 2 revealed that 1,755 school sites nationwide still lack electricity, with only 45 sites expected to be electrified by December 2023—just four percent of the 273 target sites in the 2024 General Appropriations Act.
“We’re looking at two figures: schools that lack computers and schools that lack electricity…There’s no point in jumping into all the schools that lack computers if the electricity issue hasn’t even been [resolved],” Senator Pia Cayetano said.
According to EDCOM 2, the Philippines remains one of the few countries in East and Southeast Asia without universal school electrification. This gap affects the country’s ability to participate in computerized international assessments.
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara suggested solar energy as a potential solution, particularly for remote schools.
EDCOM 2 co-chairperson Senator Sherwin Gatchalian also highlighted DepEd’s low computerization rates in 2023, with a 50 percent obligation rate and just 12 percent disbursement. He questioned the department’s ability to fully implement its tech programs.
“I appreciate Secretary Sonny’s vision in embracing technology…But without computers, as well as internet connectivity, we cannot harness the full potential of EdTech. What reforms will be undertaken to improve the delivery of the Computerization Program?” Gatchalian asked.
DepEd responded with plans to streamline the procurement process by allowing direct delivery of computers to schools, alongside a proposed P12.6 billion budget for the computerization program in 2024.
Angara noted DepEd will also seek support from local government units to accelerate the deployment of IT packages and e-learning tools.
Cayetano also raised concerns about delays in textbook deliveries. DepEd said it is already exploring a title-based procurement system, which could reduce the current process time by one year.
EDCOM 2 is pushing for pre-selection of textbooks as a solution to speed up delivery.
