MANILA, Philippines—Despite earlier worries of a possible migration of private school students to public schools this school year, Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said Thursday the number of public school students this coming school year is expected to increase by only two percent.

"There is no exodus of private school (students) going to public schools," said Lapus, emerging from a meeting with school officials in the National Capital Region.

School officials had earlier voiced concern over the possible transfer of private school students to public schools as the country feels the brunt of the global economic crisis. This would take a toll on the already overcrowded public classrooms.

Lapus said private schools have heeded the government's appeal not to increase tuition at this economically difficult time.

There were 18.7 million public school students from pre-school to high school in school year 2008-2009. The Department of Education projects an additional 374,000 new public school students this school year.

Lapus said that public elementary schools are not supposed to charge fees. He said he also gave instructions to extend the enrolment period until two weeks after classes open on June 1.