The Department of Education (DepEd) is expecting around 2.2 million learners in Western Visayas for school year 2022-2023 as the enrollment period started Monday.

Parents have three choices to enroll their children – onsite, remote, or in drop-box form– said Hernani Escullar Jr., information officer for DepEd Western Visayas.

For remote, parents can access the enrollment form or the Enhanced Basic Education Enrollment Form (EBEEF) digitally and email them to the school while dropbox is available at barangay halls or strategic locations near the school, where the EBEEFs are also available.

“Those opting for in-person enrollment should observe the safety health protocols such as wearing of face mask, non-contact temperature check, frequent hand washing or use of alcohol and physical distancing,” Escullar said.

Last year’s enrollment was at 2,102,865, higher by 38,110 when compared to the 2,064,755 learners for the school year 2020-2021.

DepEd data showed that 360,571 learners have pre-registered composed of 68,573 for Kindergarten; 104,400 for Grade 1; and 93,026 for Grade 11.

Meanwhile, the DepEd Schools Division of Antique projected more than 167,000 enrollees for the incoming school year.

Evelyn Remo, DepEd Antique School Governance and Operations chief, said various schools in the province opened Monday.

“I encourage the parents and guardians of learners including those who will be enrolling with the Alternative Learning School to already come to the schools,” Remo said in an interview.

DepEd is expecting that enrollees will increase this coming school year considering that the movement restriction had been relaxed and the five-day face-to-face classes will start on November 2.

“The increase in the enrollment will also depend on the number of Kinder learners who will be enrolling this school year,” Remo said.

Parents or guardians are advised to bring birth, baptismal or barangay certificates of the enrollees showing their date of birth, correct spelling of their names, and those of their parents.

The enrollment will be until August 22 but the DepEd regional office will be waiting for any guidance from the central office if there is an extension. (PNA)