The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday (Aug. 25) reached more than 8.5 million enrollees for the school year 2021-2022.
The total number of enrollees for basic formal education all over the country hit 8,557,205, covering both public and private schools. Enrollment started last Aug. 16 and will run until the opening of classes on Sept. 13.
Data from the Learner Information System (LIS) Quick Count showed that the highest numbers of enrollees for the coming school year are from Region IV-A (Calabarzon) with 1,430,535, followed by Region III (Central Luzon) with 829,624, and National Capital Region (NCR) with 815,857.
“As we continuously prepare for a smooth opening of classes, we are urging parents and learners to communicate with their respective schools for the enrollment procedures. I also call those who did not enroll last school year to register now,” Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said.
She also noted that there is considerable lag in the reporting of enrollment data because some schools first collate the enrollment forms, particularly those sent through drop-box, before reporting.
In DepEd Order No. 32, series of 2021, the Department provided a range of options to facilitate the enrollment of learners in all public schools in basic education and alternative learning system (ALS) programs nationwide.
“To optimize the process and ensure the protection of health and safety of our education stakeholders, schools may facilitate dropbox enrollment through setting up booths and kiosks in front of the school, barangay hall, and other visible locations that are accessible to parents and guardians, subject to health and safety standards imposed by the IATF [Inter-Agency Task Force],” Briones added.
For incoming grades 1-6, 8-10, and 12 learners, schools will contact their parents through their previous class advisers.
On the other hand, parents of incoming kindergarten and grades 7 and 11 learners shall communicate/re-affirm their intent to enroll their children in a school of their choice via digital and/or physical enrollment platforms established by schools, which are similar to procedures in early registration.
For transferees, Balik-Aral, and ALS enrollees, they must directly contact their preferred school through its published enrollment contact details.
Meanwhile, DepEd has also deferred the submission of documentary requirements for public and private schools to December 31, 2021. As such, schools shall not compel learners and their parents or guardians to take responsibility for the transmission of school records. (DepEd) – jlo
