MANILA – The Department of Education is expecting about 21 million students in elementary and public schools in the opening of classes on June 4.

Department of Education Secretary Armin Luistro said enrolment in public schools went up by one million.

"Last year, we had 20 million enrolments but this year, we expect 21 million students from kinder to fourth year high school," Luistro told reporters.

Luistro said the opening of school this year is more organized since various government agencies have coordinated with them.

Luistro said the DepEd is more prepared this year, citing cooperation with various government agencies.

Luistro cited the efforts of the Philippine National Police in securing schools not just on the day of school opening but throughout the school year.

"Nangako ang PNP na maglalagay ng desks sa mga schools para matutukan ang safety ng mga estudyante," he said.

"Napakahalaga ng visibility ng pulis kasi kulang ang security guards sa mga schools. Iba pa din kapag may police officer sa paligid," he added.

The DepEd also launched on Monday "Oplan Balik Eskwela" to ensure a smooth and organized school opening.

The Deped had set up a command center at its main office in Pasig City to process complaints and serve as information center to parents and students.

The command center is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and will last until June 8.

For inquiries, suggestions and complaints, parents may contact the command center's hotline and email: *Telephone number: 6361663 *Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it * Text: 09194560027.*PNA