An education official on Wednesday said the enrollment trend for the academic year 2021 to 2022 shows a‘ sustained increase’ a few days before the opening of classes on Sept. 13.

Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan, in a message to reporters, said the increase in the number of learners enrolled is seen daily despite the considered lag in reporting of the schools per region.

To date, about 20,098,808 learners have enrolled in public and private schools nationwide for the upcoming school year.

Based on the latest data from DepEd’s Learner Information System Quick Count, the department said 15,541,481 learners have enrolled and 4,557,327 during the early registration as of June 2.

Meanwhile, 170,545 learners have enrolled in the Alternative Learning System.

“Note the two regions that have breached 100 percent of last year, indicating that there is likely a return of students who skipped last school year. There may be other regions that will show similar development,” Malaluan said.

Last school year, a total of 26,826,387 students enrolled in Kindergarten, Grades 1 to 6, Junior High School, Senior High School, and the Alternative Learning System.

Malaluan said the regular enrollment period is up to the first day of classes and there is no announcement yet as to the late enrollment schedule.

“Our appeal to learners, parents is not to wait for the last day of regular enrollment to enroll. It will help in the organization of classes by the schools or teachers,” he added. (PNA)