The Department of Education (DepEd) announced plans to distribute P581 million worth of tablets to high school students who are not part of the traditional basic education system. This initiative targets students in disaster-prone areas, those enrolled in the Open High School Program (OHSP), and learners in the Alternative Learning System (ALS).

DepEd released a memorandum on August 22, detailing the eligibility criteria for receiving these tablets. It includes high school students living in areas frequently affected by natural disasters and students in the OHSP and ALS programs. Additionally, students in accreditation and equivalency programs for elementary and junior high school will also benefit.

Undersecretary Gina Gonong emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that these programs often have less teacher interaction and support. She stated, “This will ensure that these learners develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes comparable to their peers in conventional schools.”

According to the memorandum, over P273 million is designated for OHSP students and those in disaster-prone regions, aiming to purchase 18,252 tablets. Metro Manila is set to receive the most tablets, totaling 2,937, with the Bicol region and Central Visayas following closely.

The largest portion of the budget, over P307 million, will go to ALS students and those in equivalency programs, providing them with 20,513 tablets.

The funding for these tablets comes from the DepEd’s flexible learning options fund for the fiscal year 2023. Each tablet, with high-quality specifications including an octa-core processor, ample storage, and dual cameras, is budgeted to cost up to P15,000.

Gonong highlighted that the distribution and usage of the tablets would follow existing DepEd guidelines. School heads are tasked with the safekeeping of these devices, coordinating with school property custodians and teachers to ensure proper management.