COA: 1,678 out of 2,378 DepEd laptops still not distributed, remain in stockroom

The Commission on Audit (COA) said that 1,678 out of 2,378  laptops remained in the stock room as of August 2022. These  laptop which were supposed to have been used by teachers for distance learning.

Job Aguirre Jr., the supervising auditor assigned at the DepEd Audit Group, made the disclosure at the continuation of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing.

“We also noted undistributed laptops. Out of the 2,378 units of procured Dell laptops allocated to DepEd Central Office, 1,678 units remained in the Asset Management Division stock room as of August 17, 2022,” Aguirre told the Senate panel.

Senate Blue Ribbon Chairman Francis Tolentino expressed dismay over the non-distribution of the laptops.

“Ibig sabihin 1,678 teachers would have benefitted and per teacher lagyan natin ng times 30 students… Sayang,” he said.

“Nakakalungkot ito nagamit sana ito kahit mabagal. Nakatambak don. Ano pong mangyayari pag nakatambak lang ang computer?” Tolentino asked.

Aguirre, in response, said these laptops have their “end of life.”

“Sayang. Wastage,” Aguirre said.