MANILA — The Department of Education (DepEd) of the Philippines has announced its commitment to ensuring the timely delivery of textbooks for the upcoming school year, aiming to distribute 80 percent of the required materials for Grades 1, 4, and 7 by July. This pledge was made during a recent meeting with the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) at the University of the Philippines in Taguig City.
According to Philippines News Agency, the process for awarding contracts to textbook publishers is set to be completed by March, with printing expected to commence in April following the issuance of a Notice to Proceed. DepEd Bureau of Learning Resources Director Ariz Cawilan assured stakeholders of the department's commitment to meeting these deadlines. Furthermore, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte highlighted the introduction of e-textbooks as part of the department's efforts to enhance learning through digital means, ensuring students can access educational materials anytime and anywhere.
The push for timely textbook delivery follows findings from EDCOM 2's Year One Report, which criticized the slow procurement of textbooks since the introduction of the K to 12 curriculum in 2012. With only a limited number of textbooks procured for certain grades, EDCOM 2 has urged the DepEd to expedite the procurement process and consider utilizing existing market resources to fulfill curriculum requirements.