Around PHP1.8 billion worth of laptops and smart televisions will be distributed in public schools nationwide, the Department of Education (DepEd) said Friday.

More than 62,000 laptops and smart TVs will be given starting the second half of this year.

“This year, our computerization programs will continue with the help of President (Ferdinand) Bongbong (Marcos Jr.) and my fellow Cabinet members. Our goal is for each school to have an ‘e-cart’ or roving computer lab that all students can use,” DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said in a statement.

The DepEd ensured the speedy purchase of the items through the Early Procurement Activities (EPA) during the first six months since Angara’s assumption in office.

Of the 16 regions, Region 4-A (Calabarzon), Western Visayas and Eastern Visayas have received the highest allocation of information and communication technology resources, according to the DepEd.

“Additionally, we are providing various software tools to support our teachers,” Angara said.

As of Feb. 4, the DepEd logged an EPA for 23,614 smart TV packages; 33,539 laptops for teachers; and 5,328 laptops for non-teaching personnel. (PNA)