The opening of classes in Central Visayas has been a success with around 2.1 million public school enrollees for the current academic year.
The latest enrolment data which is expected to increase until Sept. 30 has already surpassed last year’s figures at around 1.9 million.
Among the factors being considered by the Department of Education (DepEd) for the increased enrolment in public schools is the transfer of private school students to public institutions.
“From private schools ay syempre kung medyo walang trabaho na ang parents, mapipilitan ang mga parent na i-enrol ang mga bata sa public schools dahil walang bayarin,” DepEd 7 Asst. Reg. Dir. Cristito Eco said.
“On the other hand, ‘yung mga families na galing sa iba’t-ibang mga provinces na nahihirapan sila doon or from Metro Manila, nag-migrate pabalik dito,” Eco added.
A total of 67 private schools in the region have temporarily closed due to low enrolment turnout.
The DepEd 7 said it is trying to address the internet connectivity problems being encountered in far-flung areas of Central Visayas, as it continues to provide gadgets such as tablets and computers.
The office said it is also working on the possible pilot implementation of limited face-to-face classes in more than 50 schools.
Meanwhile, 67,000 DepEd 7 personnel are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. Around 30,000 have been vaccinated, including 20,000 personnel that are considered fully vaccinated. – Report form John Aroa/AG-rir
