PASIG CITY, June 5, 2020 – Conducting a remote enrollment for the first time, the Department of Education (DepEd) has already drew a total of 5,086,600 public school learners nationwide in the first week of the enrollment period for School Year 2020-2021.

From 500,000 on the first day, it surged to 3.7 million enrolled learners on the second day as the joint implementation of Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE) and Brigada Eskwela (BE) continues to roll out.

In total, DepEd has registered a total of 5,204,949 learners nationwide for both public and private schools at the end of first week of June.

The virtual enrollment, conducted only through phone or online platforms, was implemented as physical activities were still prohibited inside school premises to ensure safety of learners, parents and teachers.

Lyra Macada, a mother of an incoming Grade 5 learner, found the enrollment process convenient and safe as her and child’s health were prioritized.

“Bilang isang magulang, napakalaking tulong sa akin ang isinagawang Remote Enrollment ng DepEd. Tinawagan ako ng dating class adviser ng aking anak upang maitala ang anak ko sa Ikalimang Baitang. Sa pamamagitan nito, mas mas nagiging madali ang enrollment at naisaalang-alang ang kaligtasan ng bawat isa dahil hindi ko na kinakailangan pang pumunta sa paaralan,” Ms. Macada said.

Teacher Maria Victoria Guanzon of Sagay City, Negros Occidental hopes parents and learners will continue to cooperate in this endeavor of DepEd.

“Sa mga mahal naming magulang at mag-aaral, sa panahon ng pandemic na ito kinakailangan po ang ating pakikiisa sa mga alituntunin ng ating pamahalaan at ng DepEd family. Huwag munang pumunta sa paaralan. Tawagan lang ang inyong mga guro para makapag-enrol,” Teacher Guanzon said.

All learners who cannot enroll using any remote method will be allowed in the last two weeks of June to physically enroll, in strict compliance of physical distancing and health standards, and in coordination with the local government units.

Some school administrators also expressed their support on the ongoing virtual enrollment, which connected teachers and parents more.

“Bago sa lahat ang experience na ito at ang lahat ay nag-aadjust. Isa ring pasasalamat dahil sa willingness ng mga guro natin to adapt to this new normal. Masasabi ko na isa yun sa naka influence sa mga learners and parents para mag enroll. Kailangan nating ipag patuloy ang edukasyon ng mga bata kahit sa anong pamamaraan na kaya natin para sila maging produktibo,” Dr. Maria Cristina S. Marasigan, Principal of Tagumpay National HS, of Rodriguez, Rizal, said.

Meanwhile, efforts from the Public Assistance Command Center (PACC) have aided greatly in addressing concerns of parents, teachers, and learners with virtual Public Assistance Command Center (PACC) available at the central, regional, and division level to answer queries about the ongoing remote enrollment.

The OBE-BE joint team has already generated a total of 1460 resolved issues out of 1,600 concerns. Among the inquiries addressed were of enrollment concerns with 1083 or 67.68%; other matters with 139 or 8.67%; Learning Continuity Plan with 105 or 6.56%; School Policy and Operations with 55 or 3.44%; and Examination and SHS Voucher concerns with 42 or 2.63%.

DepEd also noted that the resolution on concerns and registration intake is much higher compared last year, especially that no documentary requirements were demanded of the enrollees due to the present public health situation.

From June 1 to 4, PACC has addressed 1,460 concerns as regards to the incoming school year. Among the concerns addressed in PACC are regarding enrollment processes, Alternative Delivery Modes (ADM), and the Department’s Learning Continuity Plan (LCP). With the reconfiguration of Oplan Balik Eskwela and Brigada Eskwela, the Department is optimistic with the initial results it has garnered that are vital in its assistance in the implementation of the Learning Continuity Plan.

Running until the last day of enrollment, virtual command centers are also set up in the Regional and Division offices as part of the joint effort of Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE) and Brigada Eskwela (BE). For more information on enrollment, visit www.deped.gov.ph/obe-be.

 

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