Ilocos Region: The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Ilocos Region has welcomed around 677,000 learners for the school year 2025-2026. This initial count encompasses students from all grade levels in both public and private schools throughout the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, DepEd Ilocos Region administrative officer Dr. Cesar Bucsit mentioned in a phone interview that the number of enrollees could still change as enrollment is ongoing. The breakdown of the initial number of learners includes 45,111 in Kindergarten, 44,561 in Grade 1, 48,633 in Grade 2, 50,422 in Grade 3, 52,880 in Grade 4, 57,833 in Grade 5, 49,251 in Grade 6, 63,821 in Grade 7, 58,789 in Grade 8, 48,530 in Grade 9, 52,613 in Grade 10, 51,472 in Grade 11, and 51,203 in Grade 12.
Meanwhile, the Ilocos Police Regional Office (PRO1) has taken steps to ensure the safety and protection of students. Lt. Col. Benigno Sumawang, PRO1 spokesperson, stated that 175 public assistance desks have been strategically placed near schools as part of Oplan Balik Eskwela 2025. Specifically, Pangasinan has 56 assistance desks, Ilocos Norte has 45, Ilocos Sur has 38, and La Union has 36.
These assistance desks are managed by 382 officers, with an additional 591 officers assigned to mobile patrols and 517-foot patrollers to increase police visibility in the area.
