ILOILO City – Public schools across Western Visayas are entering the next school year with a clearer roadmap, as early registration figures offer crucial insight into where classrooms, teachers, and learning support will be most needed.
Figures from the Department of Education Region VI show that as of Feb. 6, more than 90,000 learners — about 55.5 percent of the projected enrollment for School Year 2026–2027 — have already been pre-registered. Participation was reported across all 3,032 public schools in the region, giving school heads and planners a head start months before formal enrollment begins.
Education officials say the early data help them anticipate pressure points in the system, from the deployment of teachers to the availability of classrooms and learning materials. Particular attention is given to incoming Kindergarten pupils and students entering Grades 1, 7, and 11, levels where sudden surges in enrollment often strain school resources.
“This information allows us to plan more carefully and respond to learners’ needs before the school year opens,” a regional education official said. “It reduces last-minute adjustments that can affect teaching and learning.”
While the current tally is lower than last school year’s early registration total of 163,316, officials expect the numbers to rise steadily, with registration remaining open until Feb. 27. Several school divisions, including those in Capiz, Aklan, Antique, Iloilo Province, Passi City, and Roxas City, have already exceeded the halfway mark in their early registration targets.
Education planners note that early registration plays a growing role in improving access and quality, especially in communities experiencing rapid population growth. By identifying where student numbers are increasing, the department can better address long-standing issues such as crowded classrooms and uneven teacher distribution.
At the national level, early registration forms part of ongoing efforts to make the opening of classes more orderly and learner-focused, ensuring that schools are ready not just to open their gates, but to meet the diverse needs of students from day one.
Parents and guardians are again urged to take part in early registration, as officials stress that timely participation helps shape a more responsive and inclusive public education system./PN
