Negros Occidental DepEd Projects Increased Student Enrollment
BACOLOD CITY – The Department of Education (DepEd) in Negros Occidental expects a rise in student numbers this school year, projecting 325,500 learners across 576 public schools. This figure marks an increase of 1,500 students compared to last year’s 324,000 enrollees, local officials noted. The growing demand reflects the province’s expanding educational reach.
Ian Arnold Arnaez, spokesperson for the Negros Occidental DepEd Schools Division, shared that enrollment has been extended beyond the original deadline of June 13 to accommodate more students, including transfer pupils. “The enrollment will continue because we cannot deny any learners. They will be accommodated beyond June 13, provided these students could attend 80 percent of class days for the whole school year,” he explained.
Flexible Enrollment to Support Learners
The extension aims to provide schools ample time to finalize enrollment data essential for budget planning. Arnaez assured the public that classrooms are sufficient to welcome the projected student population. “Schools are prepared for the class opening on Monday (June 16). The problems depend on every school, and school heads have already thought of remedies to address challenges along the way,” he added.
In cases where classrooms become overcrowded, schools plan to implement class shifting. Other challenges will be addressed individually to ensure smooth operations. The division also oversees 111 private schools throughout the province, further broadening educational access.
Addressing Challenges Near Kanlaon Volcano
Only four schools in La Castellana, located within the six-kilometer danger zone of Kanlaon Volcano, remain affected by disruptions to in-person classes. Approximately 600 to 800 displaced learners are expected to face difficulties attending school. To ensure uninterrupted education, temporary learning spaces will be set up for these students, sources said.
Some school-based evacuation centers in La Castellana have resumed regular classes after the municipal government recently began relocating evacuees. As of Friday, 463 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Barangay Mansalanao and 214 from Barangay Sag-ang have been moved to safer relocation sites.
Support for Evacuees and Schools
The provincial government provided buses to assist in transporting IDPs from evacuation schools to their new homes. Personnel from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office helped facilitate the decampment.
Additionally, relief efforts included handing over sakolins to the La Castellana Incident Management Team and distributing 50 modular tents to Barangays Mansalanao and Biak na Bato. Barangay Masulog received 30 tents as well. A generator set with ample fuel supplies was delivered to Masulog High School Extension to support ongoing operations.
Through these measures, the province aims to maintain educational continuity while addressing the challenges posed by natural hazards and population shifts.
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