ILOILO City – The Department of Education (DepEd) in Western Visayas is calling on parents across Panay and Guimaras islands to enroll their children in public schools from June 9 to 13, emphasizing that education in public schools remains completely free of charge.
According to DepEd Region 6 information officer Hernani Escullar Jr., all public schools in the region are ready to accept enrollees during the designated enrollment period.
He clarified that the same schedule is also open for private schools that may wish to follow the national enrollment calendar.
“We are starting the enrollment period on June 9, and our public schools are prepared to receive students. Private schools may also align their enrollment activities with this schedule,” Escullar said in an interview.
For School Year 2025–2026, DepEd Region 6 expects around 1.1 million learners to enroll from the eight Schools Division Offices (SDOs) covering Panay and Guimaras islands.
This is a significant adjustment from the previous school year, which recorded 1.9 million enrollees, including students from Negros Occidental, which is now part of the newly functional Negros Island Region (NIR).
With Negros Occidental no longer under Region 6’s jurisdiction, the number of SDOs has decreased from 21 to 8.
Despite the regional adjustment, DepEd assures that the goal remains the same: to ensure that every qualified learner can enroll and attend school.
“Whether the number increases or falls slightly short, what matters is that all eligible children have the opportunity to enroll,” Escullar added.
Escullar also reiterated that public school enrollment is free, and no payment should be required from parents.
“This is why there is no valid reason for any parent to say they can’t afford to enroll their child. Public education is free,” he stressed.
To enroll, parents need to visit the school where they want their child to study and present the child’s birth certificate. They must then fill out the Basic Education Enrollment Form provided by the school and submit it to the designated enrollment coordinator.
To assist with any queries or concerns during the enrollment period, DepEd Region 6 will activate its ‘Oplan Balik Eskwela Help Desk’ beginning June 9. This initiative aims to provide immediate assistance to parents facing issues related to enrollment.
While face-to-face enrollment is strongly encouraged to promptly address any problems, alternative methods such as drop boxes in barangay halls may be allowed depending on the school’s discretion and community situation.
Enrollment from June 9 to 13 is part of the preparation for the official opening of classes in public schools on June 16./PN
