DepEd starts hauling math, science items from logistics firm

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education’s regional and division offices have started hauling the learning resources from its previous logistics provider, Transpac Cargo Logistics, “for distribution to public schools nationwide,” DepEd said in a statement issued yesterday.

“Sometime in the first week of December 2023, the DepEd was in receipt of a letter from Transpac suddenly informing DepEd that it may now haul the goods stored in its warehouses,” the statement read.

“Therefore, our regional and division offices have immediately started hauling the goods. The DepEd aims to completely haul and deliver the goods to our public schools in the next few weeks,” it added.

The DepEd’s statement came as the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives on Wednesday filed House Resolution 1516 seeking an investigation on the billions of pesos worth of school furniture and science and math equipment which remained idle in Transpac warehouses allegedly due to DepEd’s refusal to pay warehouse fees.

In its statement, the DepEd said the issue on the undelivered equipment and learning materials was not merely about the unpaid warehouse fees as reported by some media outfits, but mainly due to Transpac’s failure to meet its obligations under the contract.

“[W]e would like to emphasize that this is not a simple case of unpaid warehouse fees as has been inaccurately framed by some outfits. Payment to providers may only be done upon the fulfillment of obligations and corresponding submission of complete documentation as required by accounting, auditing and other pertinent rules and regulations for the disbursement of funds,” the DepEd said.

“DepEd remains committed to safeguarding the public interest, so that our learners and stakeholders will not be shortchanged of the education services they deserve,” it added.

The DepEd said the services of Transpac Logistics were procured by the previous DepEd leadership in 2021.

Under the contract, Transpac shall provide DepEd with logistics, warehousing and tagging services from Oct. 8, 2021 to June 30, 2022.

However, the DepEd said Transpac “failed to deliver the goods completely and on time,” prompting several discussions with