The Department of Education (DepEd) assured on Friday, Aug. 5, that it is “taking steps” to address the P2.4-billion purchase of entry-level laptops for teachers in 2021.
“The DepEd has acknowledged the Commission on Audit’s (COA) 2021 Annual Report for the agency and is taking steps to address the recommendations presented, including the Php 2.4 Billion for the Laptop for Teachers initiative in 2021,” the agency said in a statement.
This after COA flagged DepEd’s purchase of “pricey” laptops with “low-end processors” in 2021 which was transacted through the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM).
DepEd said the question on the price of laptops “can be best answered by the PS-DBM” as the procuring entity for the units.
“The Department only received the laptops from PS-DBM,” it clarified.
It then vowed to continue “working closely” with the COA “to ensure the continuous improvement of its services to the public.” –KC/gb
