With only 10 days before schools open, more than 16 million learners have registered for basic education as of Friday, 39 percent lower so far than last year’s enrollment of 26.2 million learners. This developed even as the Department of Education (DepEd) has yet to identify the schools, which may be allowed to conduct pilot in-person classes. On Thursday, Nepomuceno Malaluan, undersecretary for the DepEd, said they were informed that the Department of Health (DOH) has announced that 120 schools have been lined up for in-person classes. But he said the department would disclose the process of naming the schools upon approval of the joint guidelines with the DOH. He said the list was still subject to the approval of President Duterte. The DepEd announced in July that Mr. Duterte has approved Sept. 13 as the opening date for School Year 2021-2022. —Mariejo Ramos
Basic education enrollment breaches half of previous year
DROP BOX NOT FOR DROPOUTS A mother submits an enrollment form for her child at Juan Sumulong Elementary School in Antipolo City on Wednesday. A newschool year starts in the public education system on Sept. 13, 2021, but distance learning will likely remain the norm as the pandemic rages on and with vaccination numbers in the country still way below target. INQUIRER file photo / GRIG C.MONTEGRANDE