THE DEPARTMENT of Education instructed schools and field offices to conduct early registration.

In a memorandum sent to officials and school heads, DepEd reminded field offices to utilize available online platforms and drop boxes for the early registration scheduled on March 26 to April 30, 2021.

“Similar to the previous year, early registration forms will be available in barangay halls and other public spaces. An early registration drop box will be made available for parents or guardians to collect and submit the forms in these identified places,” Education Undersecretary for Planning and Human Resource and Organizational Development Jesus Mateo said.

In-person registration is only allowed in modified general community quarantine areas. However, school division superintendents are authorized to implement full remote early registration even in MGCQ areas depending on the area’s risk assessment level.

“Only parents or guardians are permitted to transact within the school premises for early registration purposes,” Mateo said.

He said that regional and division offices must establish hotlines where people can seek technical assistance on school policies and other concerns.

Meanwhile, schools are encouraged to set up hotlines and provide their respective official school details to the general public to answer queries and concerns related to early registration.

DepEd also reminded schools to strictly implement the cut-off age in Kindergarten. A Kinder student should be five years old by August 31, and the extension period shall be until October 31.

The month-long activity is initiated to ensure that incoming Kindergarten, Grades 1, 7, and 11 in public elementary and secondary schools are registered to help the Department better prepare for possible issues and concerns that may arise.

Grades 2-6, 8-10, and 12 are considered pre-registered and will not need to participate in the early registration.