Nearing its target, the Department of Education (DepEd) has now tallied a total of around 14,000 senior high school enrollees, only 5,000 short of its goal.

According to Provincial Schools Division Supt. Wilfreda Bongalos, the department is still continuing its count as only 73% of the total number has been registered, indicating that it might reach its 19,000 goal.

The provincial DepEd is still gathering data from other schools across the province which would likely increase the current tally.

Bongalos noted that achieving more than 50% of its target is already noteworthy, particularly as the number was still based on an initial count.

However, most senior high school students are still using temporary classrooms as construction of school buildings and rooms for the said students continues, Bongalos said.

Some grade 11 students are currently holding classes in libraries, faculty rooms, covered courts, and stages of schools, she added.

Once the construction of classrooms is completed, the province will no longer have a problem in accommodating senior high school students even if the goal of 19,000 enrollees is reached as the existing and under construction rooms were intended to serve such number of students for this year.

The construction of the said classrooms is expected to be completed in July or August this year, Bongalos added. (with reports from Allen Doydora)