MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) announced Wednesday that more than 8.5 million learners have enrolled for the school year 2021-2022.
Data released by the DepEd showed there were 8,557,205 enrollees for basic formal education in private and public schools.
Enrollment began last August 16 and will continue until the opening of classes on September 13.
Based on data from the Learner Information System Quick Count, the highest numbers of enrollees for this 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,” said Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones, as quoted in the statement.
Briones noted that there may be a lag in the reporting of enrollment data since some schools first collate the enrollment forms, particularly those through drop-boxes, before reporting.
The DepEd has 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 kiosk 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,” said Briones.
For incoming Grades 1-6, 8-10, and 12 learners, schools will contact their parents through their previous class advisers.
Parents of incoming kindergarten, Grades 7 & 11 learners should reaffirm their intent to enroll their children to a school of their choice either through digital or physical enrollment platforms established by schools.
For transferees, Balik-Aral, and ALS enrollees, they must directly contact their preferred school through its published enrollment contact details. McKenzie Kinsella, trainee