TACLOBAN CITY – Over 150,000 students in Leyte have not yet enrolled for this school year less than two weeks before classes start.
The Department of Education (DepEd) said only 250,973 have enrolled in 1,358 schools in Leyte compared to 404,928 the previous school year.
All 1,270 public and 65 private schools in Leyte are set to implement limited face-to-face classes.
Twenty private schools or 23.53 percent have signified that they will not be holding face-to-face classes.
Dr. Manuel Albaño, Schools Division Superintendent, DepEd Leyte, expressed optimism that more students will enroll before the opening of classes on August 22.
"We strengthen our advocacy and use all platforms in encouraging our parents, community, and all other stakeholders to help us convince our learners to go to school and be counted. We don't want learners to be left behind," Albaño said.
He said that DepEd has implemented in-person or remote enrollment for easier enrollment.
For remote enrollment, students fill out digital forms that can be submitted through email or through drop boxes placed in the schools or barangay halls.
He said that students may still be allowed to enroll during the opening of classes.