By CESAR JOLITO III

The number of students enrolled in public schools across Bacolod City for School Year 2026-2027 has decreased, the Bacolod City Schools Division Office said.

RJ Paglumotan, city schools division deputy spokesperson, said enrollment in public schools currently stands at around 99,000 learners, a significant drop from the 109,000 students recorded during the previous school year.

Paglumotan explained that the decline is consistent with a downward trend in the city’s population, as reflected in data validated by the Department of Education (DepEd) and cross-referenced with other government agencies, including the latest census figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

As of Monday, June 8, combined enrollment in both public and private schools reached 106,607 learners across the division.

Meanwhile, an initial headcount conducted on the opening day of classes showed that 91,959 students physically reported to public schools throughout the city.

Despite the lower figures, DepEd officials said enrollment numbers are expected to increase as late enrollees and transferees continue to register in the coming days.

Education authorities will continue monitoring updates while maintaining that the overall reduction is largely driven by demographic changes affecting the city’s school-age population./CCJ, WDJ