PASIG CITY, June 29, 2018 – Initial information received by the Department of Education (DepEd) on the alleged overpricing of razors procured by DepEd Region 10 revealed that the supplier of the items in question did not comply with the technical specifications provided by the Bureau of Learning Resources (BLR).

Targeted for use of Senior High School (SHS) learners taking up the Technical-Vocational and Livelihood (TVL) track, with specialization on Barbering and Hairdressing for National Certification, the item shall be a barbering razor/blade that is plastic and/or stainless steel with replaceable blade, and approximately 14cm by 2cm in size.

DepEd Region 10 reported that the supplier delivered Gillette Razors to the recipient school instead of barbering razor/blade as clearly stated in the technical specifications. As such, the items were not accepted and payment has not been made.

The fact-finding committee is set to analyze the documents relevant to the transaction to determine the appropriate price of the originally specified tool, as the SHS Equipment and Tools Database used by the field offices as guide in the procurement of TVL specialization tools, equipment, and materials for School Year 2016-2017 included only the technical specifications and picture report of the said razors.

As always, the Department remains firm on its commitment to denounce any form or act of irregularity in its procurement processes from the Central down to its field offices.

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