Lacson wonders why public school enrollment declines

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson expressed his eagerness to know the reasons for the drop in students enrolled in public schools this school year.

"You must remember that education is still the best investment parents could give to their children," Lacson said Monday, September 4.

"I'm really trying to figure out the reasons for the drop. I don't understand the situation why parents decided not to enroll their children. It's not good, especially with those with children whose age is supposed to be in school. I would like to hear it from the parents themselves. DepEd (Department of Education) said the enrollment is still going on for two months. We'll see if it improves," Lacson said.

Most of the parents cited price increases in school uniforms and school supplies, as well as food and other prime commodities, as the reason for not sending some children back to school.

The number of enrollees in Negros Occidental for school year 2023-2024 has dropped by more than 13 percent from a year ago, according to DepEd Schools Division of Negros Occidental.

Deped-Negros Occidental spokesperson Ian Arnold Arnaez said the decline in student population can be attributed to various factors, including migration and delayed enrollment of young learners.

Meanwhile, Lacson confirmed the arrival of Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on September 8 at Panaad Park and Stadium during the Teachers’ Day celebration.

He also said, along with DepEd, the province is in charge of the venue's preparations for her arrival.

Lacson also said he has no plans to bring to the attention of Duterte the shortage of classrooms in the province.

“DepEd is already aware of it and I think they have submitted reports to her. We would be glad if there will be new classrooms and other DepEd infrastructures that will be built in the province," Lacson said.*