WANGAL, La Trinidad, Benguet — The Cordillera Region has seen a decline in student enrollment over the past few years, according to the State of the Region’s Address (SORA) delivered by DepEd Cordillera Regional Director Estela P. Leon-Cariño on 5 December 2025.

Enrollment in the region peaked at 447,986 learners in SY 2021–2022, but by SY 2024–2025, the number had dropped by 33,809 students, marking a 7.5 percent decrease over three years. Cariño attributed the decline to challenges such as migration, demographic shifts, and limited access to education in remote areas, with the sharpest drop observed between SY 2023–2024 and SY 2024–2025.

For SY 2025–2026, total enrollment stands at 401,178 learners, with Indigenous Peoples (IP) learners making up 62.91 percent, reflecting a strong commitment to inclusion. Most students are in Key Stage 2, with Grade 7 recording the highest enrollment at 35,360 learners.

Additionally, 11.12 percent of students benefit from the School-Based Feeding Program, targeting elementary students and those at nutritional risk.

Despite the enrollment decline, retention rates have improved, with the overall dropout rate falling from 1.04 percent to 0.82 percent over three years.

However, Key Stage 3 (Junior High) remains a critical concern, accounting for 2,491 dropouts (2.02 percent), particularly in Apayao and Ifugao, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.