DepEd ready for projected 27.6 million enrollees

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will deploy a total of 37,740 policemen to secure both public and private schools nationwide as School Year 2025-2026 officially opens on Monday, June 16.

- By MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT and AARON RECUENCO

The Department of Education (DepEd) said it is ready to accommodate a projected 27.6 million enrollees in basic education amid persistent challenges-including a nationwide shortage of 165,000 classrooms, a deficit of over 56,000 teachers, and limited learning resources.

To address these longstanding gaps, DepEd is implementing urgent and concrete measures to strengthen the country's public education system.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara, alongside President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., will lead the ceremonial opening of classes at Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School in Singalong, Manila.

Data from Dennis E. Legaspi, Chief of Media Relations at the Office of the Secretary, showed the projected enrollment breakdown: 15.42 million in elementary, 8.01 million in junior high school (Grades 7 to 10), and 4.17 million in senior high school (Grades 11 and 12).

Assistance desks PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III said more than 5,000 police assistance desks will be set up near school premises and will be manned by 10,759 policemen who were tasked to immediately respond to the calls for assistance of students, teachers and parents.

Torre said there are 38,292 public and 7,682 private institutions that will be secured nationwide.

He said a total of 10,687 officers will be assigned to mobile patrols and 16,366 to foot patrols to ensure heightened police visibility in highdensity areas and identified critical zones.

"The safety of our students, teachers, and school staff remains our utmost priority. We want to ensure that our children return to school without fear or harm. Our police officers will be in every possible area to provide protection, guidance, and support," said Torre.

"Our Oplan Balik-Eskwela is not just a deployment plan-it is our expression of commitment to nurture an environment where learning can thrive peacefully. We will continue to stand guard for the Filipino youth, rain or shine," he added.