Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Education (DepEd) Philippines implemented new policies for the health and safety of teachers and learners. Distance learning became the primary mode of teaching wherein learners and teachers are not required to be physically present within the classroom setting. Afterward, the health and safety restrictions eased, giving way to the return of in-person classes and the issuance of DepEd Order 35, series 2022.
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DepEd issued this order in preparation for School Year (SY) 2022-2023 by providing enrollment guidelines to re-introduce in-person classes. This order provides a clear guide to public and private schools offering basic education regarding enrollment procedures while ensuring the safety of learners and their personnel. Therefore, school heads and teachers should administer these guidelines and inform parents, legal guardians, and learners about the new enrollment procedures.
What is DepEd Order 35
Issued on July 23, 2022, the DepEd Order (DO) 35, series (s.) 2022, enclosed the Guidelines on Enrollment for School Year 2022-2023 in the Context of Re-introduction of the In-Person Classes. The Department of Education issued this order to prepare for the opening of SY 2022-2023 on August 22, 2022, and to adapt to the relaxing mobility restrictions. It contains the implementing guidelines for the improved enrollment process that reflects the current health and safety conditions in the Philippines for SY 2022-2023.
In compliance with DO 34, s. 2022 (School Calendar and Activities for the School Year 2022-2023), DepEd mandates the start of enrollment from July 25 to August 22, 2022. This order also states the provision of remote enrollment options in different ways while complying with the minimum health and safety standards the Philippine government issued. Furthermore, the enhanced enrollment guidelines will help learners, partners, teachers, and legal guardians during the enrollment procedures for SY 2022-2023.
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Guidelines on Enrollment for School Year 2022-2023 in the Context of Re-introduction of the In-Person Classes
Scope
The DepEd Order 35, series 2022, provides guidelines to school heads, teachers, parents, and legal guardians about the new and enhanced enrollment procedure for SY 2022-2023 from July 25, 2022, to August 22, 2022. The policies and procedures in this order apply to all public schools in basic education, including the Alternative Learning System (ALS). Meanwhile, DepEd encourages private schools, state/local universities, and colleges (SUCs/LUCs) providing basic education to adopt these guidelines to their specific conditions.
In addition, the guidelines under DepEd Order 35, series 2022, should take effect from SY 2022-2023. Nonetheless, the provisions of DepEd Order 3, series 2018, should remain effective – regarding the registration documentary requirements and eligibility, tagging, and recording protocols.
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Enrollment Procedures
The following procedures may be administered for SY 2022-2023 enrollment:
1. In-person Enrollment – This procedure applies within the school premises where parents and learners can come personally to process the enrollment, while complying with the minimum health and safety standards, such as temperature checks, wearing of facemask, physical distance, and alcohol availability.
2. Remote Enrollment – This can be performed by providing digital forms. Once filled out, the parent or learner can send it via the school’s official email address or any messaging platform utilized by the school.
3. Enrollment through Dropbox forms – In this procedure, the parent, legal guardian, or learner can fill out the enrollment form in their homes. Then, submit it personally through designated dropboxes in the school where the learner wishes to enroll. Schools may also put a dropbox in front of the school or every Barangay Hall. Schools may also put dropboxes in other accessible locations where parents/legal guardians can obtain a printed copy of the Basic Education Enrollment Form (BEEF) and submit it in the same dropbox.
Specific Instructions to Parents/Legal Guardians and Enrollees
For In-person Enrollment
For parents/legal guardians of Kindergarten, Grade 7, and Grade 11 learners, communicate or confirm their intention to enroll their child in their chosen school through physical enrollment and submit the Enhanced BEEF. Unaccompanied learners can enroll if their parent/legal guardian signs their Enhanced BEEF. Additionally, Grade 1 to 6, Grade 8 to 10, and Grade 12 learners with existing LIS accounts are required to fill out the Enhanced BEEF to update their information.
For Remote Enrollment (via email or messaging platform)
Enhanced BEEF should be made available by schools in print and digital format. The Enhanced BEEF digital format should be downloadable from the official websites of DepEd’s Central Office (CO), Regional Offices (ROs), Schools’ Division Offices (SDOs), Schools, and LIS Support page. Also, submit the BEEF digital copy via the school’s official email address or any messaging platform.
For Enrollment using dropboxes
Schools may also place dropbox in front of the school, every Barangay Hall, and other visible locations where BEEF printed copies can be accessed, filled out, and submitted by parents and legal guardians. The hotlines of ROs and SDOs during last year’s enrollment period should remain active, and other communication lines for Oplan Balik Eskwela.
For ALS Enrollees
Meanwhile, ALS enrollees can communicate or confirm their intent to enroll through physical or digital enrollment platforms created by schools and barangays with community learning centers (CLCs). The Modified ALS Form 2 below should be available in physical and digital format. Also, mobile teachers should submit the ALS enrollment summary to the Education Program Specialist (EPSA).
DepEd Order 35 Full Memo Download
To access and download the complete PDF of DepEd Order No. 35 , series of 2022, a direct link is available on this page. By clicking the download button below, you can easily obtain a copy of DepEd Order 35 in PDF format.
Full PDF DepEd 35 memo file: https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/DO_s2022_035.pdf
Video: CLARIFICATIONS: DEPED ENROLLMENT FOR SY 2022-2023 | DEPED ORDER NO. 35 S.2022 #SirpogiElyu
Watch the video below to learn more about DepEd Order 35, series 2022:
As discussed in the video, DepEd Order 35, series 2022, clarifies the enrollment procedure for SY 2022-2023 since many teachers are having confusion whether online or in-person classes will take effect. DepEd’s Central Office also issued a clarification, stating that it’s not mandatory to conduct in-person enrollment for SY 2022-2023. Conducting in-person enrollment is only advised if applicable to the situation.
DepEd Order 35 also contains a mechanism for remote enrollment, and a Good Moral Character Certificate is not a requirement. Hence, teachers, parents, guardians, and learners should read the guidelines under DepEd Order 35, series 2022, to ensure proper enrollment procedures.
Summary
By issuing the DepEd Order 35, series 2022, schools, teachers, parents, legal guardians, and learners are informed of the new and enhanced enrollment procedures administered for SY 2022-2023. This order also considered the easing of COVID-19 restrictions while ensuring public safety. It allows various enrollment procedures, including in-person, remote, and the use of dropbox. These guidelines apply to all public schools and ALS in the country, and private schools and SUCs/LUCs may adopt them. Thus, all concerned should ensure the implementation of the guidelines under DepEd Order 35, series 2022.