Malacañang announced on Tuesday that enrollment in public schools would be extended up to July 15, as enrollment numbers remained below the target.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has recorded 15,182,075 public school enrollees as of June 30, while 672,403 have enrolled in private schools, Palace spokesman Harry Roque said.

Last year, around 22 million students were enrolled.

“Well, matumal po talaga ang naging enrollment lalong-lalo na sa mga pribadong eskwelahan,” Roque said in a virtual presser.

“At ang mabuting balita po mga magulang, extended po ang enrollment until July 15,” he added.

Roque urged parents to not wait until the July 15 deadline, and enroll their children as early as possible.

“I-enroll na natin ang ating mga anak. Huwag naman pong hayaan na matigil ang proseso ng edukasyon ng ating mga anak bagama’t mayroon pong Covid-19,” he said.

DepEd implemented a drop-box enrollment scheme on June 16 for those unable to enroll using online means.

Public school classes will start on Aug. 24. John Ezekiel J. Hirro