DigiEd 2028: DepEd introduces digitalization flagship program

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 25) — Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Thursday announced the Department of Education’s (DepEd) flagship program to fully digitize the sector’s system in its offices and schools nationwide.

“Allow me to present to you the DepEd Digital Education 2028 or DepEd DigiEd 2028,” the vice president said during the department’s Basic Education Report 2024.

“This will be our flagship program to banner our commitment to adaptability and technological advancement," she added. "Through the DepEd DigiEd 2028, we will pursue full digitization and interconnectivity of all DepEd offices and schools nationwide."

In digitizing the system, Duterte said the program also aims to providing school-wide wifi and implementing the use of e-textbooks in all schools nationwide.

According to Duterte, 69% of schools already have access to internet connectivity. However, connection is usually limited to faculty rooms.

“We have initiated talks with Converge, PLDT, Globe, Starlink, and other internet providers with the aim of providing adequate internet access to both teachers and learners in our schools,” Duterte said.

For e-textbooks, Duterte said the DepEd has initiated talks with publishers to facilitate its provision.

In the procurement of textbooks for the MATATAG K10 Curriculum, the department will require the winning bidder to also provide electronic copies.

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Duterte said the DepEd will also optimize the “responsible and ethical use” of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) in both teaching and learning.

DepEd said it will also open a MATATAG Portal, a “one-stop” digital platform accessible to teachers, learners and parents.

“The Portal will house all digital learning resources and applications to make both learning and teaching materials easily accessible even in times of calamities,” Duterte said.

The portal also seeks to connect multiple DepEd systems in order to provide real-time education statistics and information to our stakeholders.

During the last quarter of 2023, the DepEd started the pilot implementation of the MATATAG K-10 curriculum in 35 schools across the country. https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/9/25/deped-matatag-pilot-test-malabon.html