Back to School: Over 267,000 learners return to class in Cordillera

Baguio City, Philippines – More than 267,000 learners have returned to school across the Cordillera Administrative Region as classes officially opened for School Year 2026–2027, according to data released by the Department of Education-Cordillera (DepEd-CAR) on June 9.

Based on the Learner Information System (LIS) Quick Count, a total of 267,538 learners have been enrolled in the region as of reporting time.

Elementary learners accounted for the largest share of enrollees at 136,347, representing about 51 percent of total enrollment. This was followed by 80,623 junior high school learners, 33,323 senior high school learners, and 17,245 kindergarten pupils.

Among the School Division Offices (SDOs) in the region, Benguet recorded the highest enrollment with 72,769 learners, followed by Baguio City with 57,823. Mountain Province registered 26,690 learners, while Tabuk City recorded 25,871 enrollees.

Public schools continued to accommodate the majority of learners, accounting for 254,151 enrollees, or 95 percent of the total. Private schools registered 13,387 learners, while the Alternative Learning System (ALS) recorded 178 learners.

DepEd-CAR also reported an overall enrollment submission rate of 70.07 percent from participating schools. Public schools posted a submission rate of 75.70 percent, while private schools registered 24.12 percent, as some institutions have yet to begin classes and submit their enrollment reports.

Education officials said enrollment figures are expected to rise further as more schools complete and submit their reports in the coming days, providing a clearer picture of learner participation across the region for School Year 2026–2027.

The opening of classes marks the return of hundreds of thousands of learners to classrooms throughout the Cordillera, signaling the continued implementation of educational programs and services aimed at improving learning outcomes and strengthening access to education in the region.