More than 1.3 million learners returned to classrooms across Central Visayas on Monday, June 8, as School Year 2026–2027 officially opened, with education officials expecting enrollment figures to increase in the coming weeks.
The Department of Education (DepEd) Region 7 reported a generally orderly opening of classes, saying schools across the region were prepared to accommodate students despite lingering infrastructure challenges in some areas.
Regional Director Arturo Bayocot said preparations made through Brigada Eskwela and other pre-opening activities helped ensure schools were ready for the first day of classes.
“We are in good shape. Generally, our schools are ready as based on Brigada Eskwela turnout. All students are contained in classrooms,” Bayocot said.
To address classroom shortages, particularly in areas affected by previous earthquakes, DepEd established additional Learning Continuity Spaces (LCS) to ensure that students could continue attending classes while damaged facilities are being repaired or rebuilt.
“There have been Learning Continuity Spaces constructed, especially in areas that were hit by earthquakes like Bogo City Division. So far, all necessary preparations were provided,” he added.
DepEd 7 also coordinated with the Philippine National Police, Department of Health, and Department of the Interior and Local Government to help maintain school safety and security during the opening of classes.
Regional Information Officer Amaryllis Villarmia said initial attendance and enrollment reports showed about 1.3 million learners on opening day, although the figure remains below last year’s total.
She said the number is expected to rise as schools continue processing late enrollees and consolidating reports from divisions across the region.
According to Villarmia, enrollment remains open until the end of June, allowing learners who were unable to register before the opening of classes to still enroll.
She cited student transfers, financial difficulties, relocation, delayed school records, and zoning concerns as among the common reasons some learners had yet to complete their enrollment.
DepEd officials expect enrollment to reach around 1.6 million once all reports are finalized later this month.
Despite the lower initial turnout, officials said the first day of classes proceeded smoothly, with only minor concerns reported and immediately addressed through school helpdesk mechanisms.
The opening of classes came as some parts of Mindanao suspended classes following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck on the same day, prompting inspections of school facilities in affected areas.
In Central Visayas, however, schools continued operations while education officials monitored conditions and maintained learning continuity measures in communities still recovering from previous disasters.
Northern Cebu remains among the areas facing classroom shortages following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck on Sept. 30, 2025. DepEd records showed the disaster affected more than 7,500 classrooms, including 1,187 that were totally destroyed.
Bayocot said schools in affected areas continue to implement blended learning arrangements where necessary, supported by systems developed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
DepEd 7 said mechanisms remain in place to ensure learners acquire essential competencies regardless of whether instruction is delivered through face-to-face, blended, or alternative learning modalities.
Officials also assured parents that interventions for literacy and learning recovery remain part of the region’s education strategy as schools work to address learning gaps and improve student outcomes throughout the school year.
Photo by Jacq Hernandez
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