DepEd: 13 million enrollees as of June 20

According to the Department of Education (DepEd), 13,254,716 students have enrolled for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. The number covers enrollees in both public and private schools nationwide, covering the kindergarten, elementary, junior high school, senior high school up to the college levels, including those under the Alternative Learning System (ALS).

12,786,022 are students enrolled in public schools while 458,320 are enrolled in private schools. 661,907 pupils are enrolled in Kindergarten; 5,505,252 in the elementary level; 3,723,663 in junior high school; and 1,249,966 in senior high school; while ther are 126,650 pupils under ALS and 37,192 pupils with disabilities.

In order to observe health protocols such as physical distancing, DepEd enforced a remote enrollment system across the country beginning June 1 via alternative channels such as SMS, online messaging, e-mail, and call. Advisers became primary points of contact and were tasked to contact the parents of Grades 1 to 12 learners. Enrollment focal persons were also designated to receive calls and address parents’ inquiries.

Beginning June 16, DepEd made available “drop boxes” and kiosks in schools to aid parents who do not have the necessary means to get in touch with schools remotely. Parents could simply pick up and submit the school’s registration and survey forms.

The enrollment for the previous school year yielded a turnout of 22,572,923 students enrolled in public schools and 4,203,676 students enrolled in private schools, a significantly lower turnout versus that of the upcoming school year. However, DepEd noted it is not setting targets for the school year 2020-2021, given the current health crisis with coronavirus disease or COVID-19.