MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) said that it was all set for the early registration day scheduled on Jan. 29.
In DepEd Order No. 2, Education Secretary Armin Luistro said the early registration day targets all five-year-olds to be enrolled in kindergarten and all six-year-olds in Grade 1.
Early registration is also mandated in public secondary schools to guarantee the enrolment of incoming first year students in their preferred high school.
“Early registration is in line with our efforts to ensure that DepEd remains on track in meeting our MDG targets and Education For All (EFA) commitment as the 2015 deadline comes closer. We are doing every possible means to uphold this commitment of reaching all children of school age,” said Luistro.
The pre-registration will allow the DepEd to get a picture of the student population for the coming school year and determine interventions needed to ensure that the EFA commitment is met.
Luistro added that DepEd will work closely with local government units, barangay officials, parents, civic organizations, business sector and other education stakeholders to make the necessary preparations and address potential needs when classes open in June.
“With early registration, the department will also have enough time to come up with education interventions and prevent students from dropping out of school,” the order stated.
According to Luistro, the DepEd was keen on convincing parents pre-register their children and help DepEd in bringing their children to schools, keep them there and finish basic education.
In previous years, DepEd conducted early enrollment activity in secondary level in line with its Drop-Out Reduction Program (DORP). But this is the first time that the department goes full throttle in the ground mapping of school-aged children for early registration in all three levels – kindergarten, elementary, and secondary.
The advocacy campaign has started with Child or Youth Find Activities last January 10 and will be conducted up to 28 at the DepEd division and school levels in collaboration with the barangay.
Children from indigenous cultural communities and the Special Education (SPED) centers that cater to children with disabilities shall also be mobilized to ensure early registration of the targeted enrollees.
The Philippine Star, January 13, 2011 By Rainier Allan Ronda