THE DEPARTMENT of Education has exceeded last year’s enrollment figure as schools continue to accept students for School Year 2021-2022.

“This indicates the kind of response of our parents and learners,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said during the budget hearing at the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

Data from the Learner Information System Quick Count report on Friday showed that so far, 27,583,701 learners have enlisted. This is higher than the 26,227,022 enrollees last year.

The report showed that 13 out of 17 regions  achieved more than 100 percent enrollment rate.

Region II (Cagayan Valley) has the highest number of enrollees — 1,113,650. Meanwhile, CARAGA and Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN) posted 117.9 percent and 116.9 percent turnout rates, respectively.

“We thank our field offices, school heads, and teachers for their dedication and hardwork in encouraging the public to enroll. Likewise, we are grateful to the parents of our learners who continue to put their trust and support in DepEd and for learning continuity amidst the pandemic,” Briones said in a statement.

She sald that the department expects the numbers to go up because enrollment has been extended until September 30.