As of June 4, 443,884 students have enrolled in public schools across the Negros Island Region (NIR), according to the Department of Education (DepEd) in the region.
DepEd-NIR spokesperson Almyr Caezar Dequiña announced that this number may increase further, as they await enrollment figures from private institutions.
To accommodate more students, the enrollment period has been extended, and Dequiña stressed the importance of attending the first day of classes on June 8.
Addressing Literacy Challenges
Despite the rise in enrollment, the DepEd faces a significant challenge: a literacy crisis affecting students nationwide.
87 percent of Grade 11 students nationwide were classified as non-independent readers.
Department of Education Report
In response, DepEd-NIR plans to conduct its own assessment to better understand literacy levels in the region and develop targeted intervention programs.
Dequiña noted that the national assessment results are based on a sample population and may not accurately reflect the situation in NIR.
Ensuring Safe School Environments
As classes resume, Bacolod City's Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved measures to enhance security and traffic management around schools.
- Deployment of barangay tanods and traffic personnel near schools.
- Increased police visibility and patrols in educational areas.
These resolutions aim to create a safer environment for students and facilitate smooth traffic flow during school hours.
Councilor Caesar Distrito emphasized the importance of community cooperation in ensuring student safety as pedestrian and vehicular traffic increases during the school year.