DepEd-7 still short of enrollment target as class opening nears

Local

By Kaiser Jan Fuentes

THE Department of Education-Central Visayas (DepEd-7) said it is yet to achieve its enrollment target for School Year 2026–2027 even as public schools across the region intensify preparations for the opening of classes on Monday, June 8, alongside the rollout of major curriculum reforms.

DepEd-7 Director Arturo Bayocot said about 1.4 million learners have enrolled so far, still short of last year’s 1.6 million figure, or a gap of around 200,000 students.

He said the region remains optimistic and confident it will still reach its target in the coming weeks as enrollment continues.

DepEd-7 assured that it does not turn away learners even if they lack complete requirements at the time of registration.

The agency said schools may temporarily enroll students while documents are completed later, particularly for transferees, as long as identity can be verified.

It also stressed that enrolment is free and discouraged any form of monetary contribution.

The agency continues to accept late enrollees after the official enrollment period, subject to conditions that ensure learners can still meet academic requirements.

Schools require late enrollees to complete at least 80 percent of school days and remain eligible to pass quarterly assessments, with catch-up interventions provided when needed.

DepEd-7 officials and school administrators are preparing both physical and academic requirements ahead of the school opening, with simultaneous activities ongoing across public schools in the region.

Bayocot said teachers are balancing campus preparations under Brigada Eskwela with training for the revised senior high school curriculum.

He said School Year 2026–2027 marks the rollout of the revised curriculum for Grade 11, alongside updates for Grades 9 and 10 under continuing education reforms.

Bayocot said the overlapping activities have added pressure on teachers and school personnel.

“That’s why our teachers are a bit overwhelmed due to the overlapping of activities, but it does not stop the schools from really proceeding and pursuing the Brigada Eskwela for the entire week,” he said.

Despite this, DepEd-7 said schools continue preparations across the region to ensure readiness for the opening of classes.

On infrastructure, Bayocot said learning continuity remains a priority, especially in areas affected by earthquakes and flooding where some school facilities have been damaged.

Temporary learning spaces are being built in several areas with support from national and local governments, private sector partners, and development organizations.

He said classroom repairs and rehabilitation continue through a combination of government and private sector support as part of efforts to address infrastructure backlogs.

DepEd-7 also strengthened partnerships with private stakeholders to support classroom construction, teacher training, and learning materials, citing the scale of remaining needs.

He said the agency said it has allocated more than P60 billion for education-related programs this year covering infrastructure, training, and learning resources.(MyTVCebu)