DepEd in the Philippines Secures Over 172,000 MacBook Neo Units for Public School Teachers

The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to distribute more than 172,000 Apple MacBook Neo laptops to public school teachers and administrative personnel nationwide, marking one of the biggest technology purchases in the agency’s history.

DepEd confirmed that it had secured 172,654 MacBook Neo units following the completion of competitive bidding under its Computerization Program. Of the total, 169,008 laptops are intended for teachers, while another 3,646 will go to administrative officers.

Each unit was procured for approximately Php 43,000, around Php 6,900 less than the laptop’s Php 49,900 suggested retail price. The package also includes built-in productivity tools, delivery, professional development, and a five-year warranty that is considerably longer than the standard one-year retail coverage. Distribution is scheduled from November 2026 through March 2027.

The purchase also caught Apple’s attention. During the company’s fourth-quarter earnings call, CEO John Ternus described the agreement as Apple’s biggest education deal ever for Mac, highlighting the Philippines as a major market for its education initiatives.

For DepEd, however, the bigger story is the teachers who will eventually receive these devices. Many educators have long relied on personal laptops or outdated equipment to prepare lessons, handle school-related paperworks, and manage their daily responsibilities. The department is also working with Apple on GuroXL, a training program designed to help teachers make better use of their new devices, with opportunities to pursue Apple Teacher certifications.

While the massive purchase is a significant step toward modernizing public education, its real impact will depend on how quickly the laptops reach teachers and how effectively they are used in schools. After all, better equipment is only part of the equation — teachers also need the support and resources to make the most of it.

Apple MacBook Neo Specs