AROUND 4.5 million learners registered early for School Year 2020-2021, according to the Department of Education.

The DepEd said 4,557,435 learners in Kindergarten, Grades 1, 7, and 11 registered.

Broken down, there were 991,689 for Kindergarten; 1,554,556 for Grade 1;  1,143,193 for Grade 7 and 867,997 for Grade 11.

Those in Grades 2-6, 8-10, and 12 are considered pre-registered.

Calabarzon had the highest number of registered learners at 480,709, followed by Central Visayas, 405,001, and Western Visayas, 387,152.

“We thank our field offices, parents, and learners for their cooperation and support despite personally experiencing challenges brought about by the pandemic,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said.

“As our learners and parents showed their value for learning in this exercise, we are committed to continue exhausting all means to provide accessible and quality education for all,” she added.

The early registration of learners will allow the department to prepare for the coming school year.

“With this success, we can strategically prepare our resources to further improve education delivery for School Year 2021-2022,” Education Undersecretary Jesus Mateo said.

For the safety of learners, parents, and personnel, DepEd conducted its early registration by utilizing communication platforms like Facebook chats, text messaging, and drop-boxes in schools or villages.