Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Thursday highlighted the growing role of the information technology and business process management industry in modernizing public school classrooms.

During a turnover ceremony at Rizal Elementary School in Taguig City, Cognizant Technology Solutions Philippines Inc. (CTSPI) donated 906 laptops, with 80 units allocated to the host school.

"It's a big benefit because a lot of people want to help DepEd. So we really opened the door and made it easy for them to partner with DepEd," Angara said in an ambush interview.

"So this is a big thing for our students and teachers because of the limited budget. Not everyone can afford to give computers," the DepEd chief added.

The donation was made through the IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), led by President and CEO Jack Madrid. Member companies—including Telus, PwC, Lenovo PCCW Solutions, Amadeus, Carelon, ING Hubs, Shearwater Health, and EY GDS—have collectively donated more than 1,800 ICT equipment units to public schools nationwide.

Angara said the initiative supports DepEd’s digitalization reforms. He noted that the Senate version of the 2026 General Appropriations Bill allocates P16.86 billion to the DepEd Computerization Program.

DepEd said the strengthened 2026 digitalization package—pending bicameral approval—would fund the deployment of over 255,590 laptops for teachers, 60,070 laptops for learning cart packages, 29,619 smart TV units, 9,654 laptops for non-teaching personnel, and expanded internet connectivity for 8,253 school sites.

“We really want our students to be computer literate because we're already in the age of Artificial Intelligence. All industries will change, all methods will change, Filipinos must not be left behind; that is what President Bongbong wants," Angara said, thanking both chambers of Congress for backing DepEd’s modernization push.

He emphasized that industry support accelerates digital transformation at a time when many public schools continue to operate with limited resources. Prior to the donation, Rizal Elementary had more than 4,500 students but only 38 functional computers.

Beyond the Computerization Program, DepEd cited the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for School Infrastructure Project (PSIP) Connect, which aims to close technology gaps through expanded device availability, better connectivity, and power solutions in public schools nationwide. Angara also noted efforts to connect geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) using satellite technology.

DepEd said continued collaboration with the IT-BPM sector strengthens the country’s long-term goal of building a future-ready education system by giving learners early exposure to digital tools aligned with evolving industry demands.

Angara also reiterated that President Marcos intends for all teachers to receive laptops before the end of his term.

"That's what makes it easier for them to focus on teaching, on their lesson plan, on their exams," he said.

“The President's plan and the government's program is about connectivity,” Angara added, citing satellite technology for remote communities and cable infrastructure for accessible areas.

For 2026, DepEd is set to procure more than 200,000 computers for teachers.

Angara also reminded students not to view computers as replacements for learning.

"That is not a replacement or a substitute for your learning. It's only a tool. We still need to use our coconut," he said. "Thinking is still important… And also to our teachers, this is not a substitute for teaching."