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The National Validation of the Analytic Rubric continues in Regions XI and XII

 

Once again, the research team continued its validation activities in Regions 11 and 12 for the development of the Analytic Rubric envisioned for the creation and monitoring and evaluation of exemplary community-based literacy programs across the country. On November 7, 2019, Dr . Merry Ruth M. Gutierrez and Dr. Leonora P. Varela headed to Davao while Dr. Maria Azela L. Tamayo and Dr. Boyet L. Batang went to General Santos cities simultaneously where the validation tool was distributed and discussed among literacy implementers and administrators from the DepEd and Local Government Units.

The last field validation of the research output validation is anticipated to happen in Region 8 in December.

 

Davao City, Region XI Research Output Validation

 

General Santos City, Region XII Research Output Validation

Region CALABARZON validates the Research Analytic Rubric

Aiming to develop an analytic rubric to be used for monitoring and evaluation of exemplary community-based literacy programs, the research team headed by its Project Co-Director, Dr. Merry Ruth M. Gutierrez had a dialogue with selected delegates from DepEd and Local Government Units of Region CALABARZON on October 27, 2019 at The A. Venue Hotel in Makati City.

The said event also included validation of the instrument tool developed by the researchers during the Phase I of the said research study on literacy.

Along with Dr. Gutierrez are Dr. Maria Azela L. Tamayo, Member Researcher and Ms. Jem Beryline S. Bualat, LCC Secretariat staff who facilitated the said activities.

Region V Local Chief Executives and DepEd Officials Converge at the Regional LGU Forum

Camarines Norte, 29 October 2019. The LCC Secretariat (LCCS) was invited to speak before around 100 Mayors, Vice Mayors, Schools Division Superintendents, and other local government and DepEd officials of the Bicol Region during the Regional LGU Forum organized by the External Partnerships Service of DepEd held at the Bel-Air Resort, Daet, Camarines Norte.

The Forum aims to enhance LGU’s participation in the delivery of basic education and efficient use of the Special Education Fund, as well as discuss school and community-based education programs that can be pursued by the LGUs, among others.

The topic “Championing Literacy – A Guide to Effective Community-based Literacy Program Management” was presented by the head of the LCCS. The presentation was based on the research conducted in 2018 by the LCC, in partnership with the Philippine Normal University on the Standards for Exemplary Community-based Literacy Program and Engagement, Basis for Policy Formulation.

Other speakers were Mr. Ray Caceres, Provincial Director of the DILG Camarines Norte who discussed the Role of the LGUs in the Delivery of Basic Education and Mr. Niño Raymond Alvina, Executive Director of the BLGF, Department of Finance who presented the topic “Ensuring the Effecient Use of the Special Education Fund.”

LGUs have expressed their support to DepEd by reaching more undeserved children, youth, and adults and providing them with more lifelong learning opportunities.

The regional LGU Forum was also graced by Dr. Gilbert T. Sadsad, Regional Director of DepEd Region V and Atty. Tonisito M. C. Umali, esq., DepEd Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, External Partnerships and Program Management Service.

The local media outfits were also present in this significant event.

 

 

 

 

 

LCC Converged NGOs to Strengthen Partnerships for Literacy

 

The Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) conducted its 2019 Non-Government Organization (NGO) Forum on October 24, 2019 at Robbinsdale Residences, Quezon City. With the theme, “Strengthening Partnerships for Inclusive and Equitable Functional Literacies,” the one-day LCC-NGO Forum featured dynamic discussions about Policies and Programs for Inclusive and Equitable Literacies, Updates on the ALS-EST Pilot Implementation (presented by Ms. Merlie J. Asprer of DepEd CO) and the Brigada Pagbasa program (introduced by Mr. Jett P. Jetonzo of World Vision), as well as Sharing of Good Literacy Practices from selected NGOs.

LCC Chairperson Diosdado M. San Antonio, DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction, officially commenced the forum with a message. He remarked that if we do not focus on equitable literacies, children would not be equipped with functional literacies. He also challenged everyone not to leave behind a single child unable to read. This was followed by an overview of the conference led by E-Net Philippines President Prof. Flora C. Arellano who also introduced the participants. She expressed her gratitude to DepEd and LCC for being great leaders in universalizing literacy, in cooperation with civil society organization (CSO) E-Net Philippines. Through their long-time partnership, they were able to conduct this said forum.

Mr. Ramon G. Mapa, E-Net Philippines Board of Trustee and Executive Director of People’s Initiative for Learning and Community Development (PILCD), shared the Adult Learning and Education in the Context of Global Report, emphasizing on the importance of adult learning and education, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and issues and challenges in education as a whole. Pastor Ephraim Pitogo also presented the SULADS’ HEAL program, which is a three-time first place winner in the National Literacy Awards making it the first NGO LCC Hall of Fame Awardee for Outstanding Literacy Program. SULADS, Inc. is an organization reaching the unreached Mindanao tribes with the aim of training and serving them through their four-pronged Health, Education, Agriculture and Livelihood (H.E.A.L) program. As a community dreaming of being an agent of change to make a better world through Education, SULADS also reaches the communities of Lumads, Muslims, Mangyans and the Deaf. Last to share their innovation and experience in ALS is Mr. Lito T. Jugatan a.k.a. Tubag, President of Lubos na Alyansa ng mga Katutubong Ayta ng Sambales (LAKAS). Their programs focus on establishing schools for the Ayta community, including the Paaralang Bayan ng mga Ayta sa Zambales (PBAZ) and LAKAS High School, which were built in 2002 and 2013, respectively. The LAKAS President ensures that these schools aimed to maintain the tradition and beliefs of Ayta, untouched by the culture and principles of the “Unat”.

Parallel Workshops on Strengthening Policies and Programs for Inclusive and Equitable Literacies were also done which were divided into three (3) clusters, to wit: Equitable and Inclusive Literacy Policies; Ensuring Data Capturing, Utilizing, Tracking, Reporting and Monitoring; and Recognition and Accreditation of other Modes of Literacies. The activity was concluded by LCC member Mr. Edicio G. Dela Torre hoping that through the annual conduct of the LCC-NGO Forum platform, the NGO Sector will be formalized, literacy resolutions enacted, and criteria on selecting NGOs to be future Literacy Partners developed.

The 2019 NGO Forum, which was graced by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte’s official representative, Ms. Aly Medalla of Education Affairs, and Dr. Juan C. Obierna of DepEd Schools Division Office of QC, was also participated in by some LGU officials from Luzon.

 

 

Public Hearing on Senate Bill No. 740

 

The Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture chaired by Sen. Sherwin T. Gatchalian conducted a Public Hearing on October 29, 2019 at the Philippine Senate on the Senate Bill No. 740 – An act providing for the Alternative Learning System of Education for adults, out-of-school youth, members of cultural minorities, Indigenous People, and persons with disabilities. This public consultation was participated in by DepEd personnel from the Literacy Coordinating Council Secretariat, Bureau of Curriculum Development, ALS Task Force and other stakeholders.

Research Team heads to Cebu City for Research Output Validation

 

In cognizance and response to the mandate of the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) as a policy-making body of the Philippines with regard to literacy, the Philippine Normal University spearheads the National Validation of the Framework for Exemplary Community-Based Literacy Programs and Engagement. The said research on literacy has commenced its Phase I in 2018 which enabled the team to develop the said framework.

Now on its Phase II, various LGU representatives and DepEd Implementers from nearby cities/municipalities in the identified host are invited and asked to validate the analytic rubric as monitoring and evaluation tool in selected 2 regions of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

On October 22, 2019, Dr. Leonora P. Varela  and Dr. Maria Azela L. Tamayo conducted its first validation in Region VII at the DepEd Applied Nutrition Center, Banilad, Cebu City. The remaining activities for the said research study is expected to happen from October to December 2019.

PNU conducts the Focus Group Discussion for the Development of the National Literacy Framework (NCR Cluster)

 

The LCC in partnership with one of its Council Members, Philippine Normal University, has an on going Research Study on the Development of the National Literacy Framework. The said study aims to develop a national overarching framework of literacy skills and competencies that will make every Filipino ready and equipped for 21st century living. The framework also aspires to be a basis for policies and reforms in the country’s education system and literacy governance.

On October 16, 2019, Dr. Heidi B. Macahilig, Research Director, along with the LCC Secretariat personnel conducted its first Focus Group Discussion focusing on the NCR Cluster held at Robbinsdale Hotel in Quezon City. The said event was participated in by representatives from various Local Government Units, DepEd Offices, Private Sector, other Government Agencies, and Non-Government Organizations who shared remarkable insights on literacy in the country.

The subsequent FGDs for Clusters Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are anticipated to take place in Regions II, VII and XI some time in November and December.

Mayor Vico Sotto of Pasig City sponsors the 2019 Literacy Forum

 

The Literacy Coordinating Council Secretariat (LCCS), headed by Mr. Enrico R. Mendoza, attended a coordination meeting with Mayor Victor Ma. Regis “Vico” N. Sotto of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Pasig City in preparation for the upcoming Literacy Forum scheduled to be held in November 2019. The said Forum with a theme, “Championing Literacy; Sharing of Good Literacy Practices” will serve as a venue for sharing, identifying and documenting of good literacy practices among selected LGU and NGO literacy champions in Luzon. This event will be hosted and sponsored by LGU Pasig City, in cooperation with Congressman Roman T. Romulo, Chair of the Committee on Basic Education and Culture of the House of Representatives. The meeting, also attended by Atty. Devi Katerina S. Martinez-Negre, Supervising Political Affairs Officer from the office of Cong. Romulo, was held at Mayor Sotto’s office in Pasig City this October 18, 2019.

Day 2: LCC Call for Papers

To officially begin the second day of the event, Jaro National High School Singing Trio entertained the participants with a production number. Dr. Merry Ruth M. Gutierrez, Professor III of the Philippine Normal University, discussed the Foundational Framework for Exemplary Community-based Literacy Programs and Engagement as Basis for Policy Development. This is in cognizance and response to the mandate of Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) as a policy-making body for literacy, wherein PNU is an active member who spearheaded the said research project to develop a framework as standard for exemplary community literacy programs. This framework will also serve as a Monitoring and Evaluation tool for every community literacy program, and as a legal basis research-based database for national and local policies. She also disseminated instruments to validate the standards and performance indicators of the developed framework which was the result of a grounded theory research conducted last year by the proponents, to wit: Judy C. Bautista, Ph.D., Project Director and Lead Researcher; Merry Ruth M. Gutierrez, Ph.D., Project Co-Director; and Co-Researchers Heidi B. Macahilig, Ph.D., Sammy Q. Dolba, MA, and Al Ryanne G. Gatcho, MA.

Moreover, DepEd, through the LCC, facilitated the Call for Papers as a venue for presentation of the researches conducted on “Community-based Literacy Programs” and other literacy-related research studies. These studies were selected by the LCC Evaluation Committee based on criteria, assessing that they have relevant literacy policy recommendations on Inclusive Education, Literacy Learning and Instruction, Literacy Teacher and Program Development, and Literacy Governance.

The following are the list of winners on the Call for Papers. These researchers presented their research orally:

Title Author Region
Project ASPIRE: Active Stakeholders Participation and Involvement in Reading Enhancement of the Learners Dr. Carnila D. Simacon X
Attitudes, Awareness and Skills of Public School Teachers Towards Inclusive Education Dr. Michael E. Ecoben X
Assessment of Reading Anxiety and Oral Reading Fluency of Grade 11 Students: Towards Intervention Development Ms. Jane Charity Estrada-Madronero X
The Extent of Bullying to Alternative Learning System (ALS) Learners Ms. Florena M. Deuna
The Teaching of Mother Tongue as a Separate Subject: The Case of Marinduque Tagalog Dr. Annalyn Jawili-Decena NCR
A Comprehensive Approach Towards Functional Literacy for the Marginalized: The Case of Butuan City Mr. William Christian P. dela Cruz CARAGA
Workplace Literacy among In-Service Teachers Dr. Maria Azela Lopez-Tamayo IV-A
Flipped Classroom: An Instructional Strategy in Increasing the Performance of Hearing-Impaired Students in Science Ms. Hasima N. Salic

Ms. Amor C. Fajardo

Ms. Mariz Lynne C. Lao

Mr. Wilbert P. Docdoc

 X
Financial Capability of Public School Teachers in the Philippines Mr. Jerick C. Ferrer NCR

These authors, together with the poster exhibitors, were recognized by the Literacy Coordinating Council members and Cebuana Lhuiller Foundation, Inc. during the awarding ceremony on LCC Call for Papers.  Through their implications, Mr. Nemesio O. Malatamban III, Supervising Legislative Officer II of the House of Representatives, integrated a synthesis of policy recommendations. Before the synthesis, the Jalandoni Memorial National High School amused the participants with their performance of the Dinagyang dance, a religious and cultural dance of Iloilo City. DILG Assistant Regional Director Maria Calpiza J. Sardua concluded the event with her closing remarks.

Day 1: LCC Awarding of Hall of Fame for Outstanding Literacy Program and Plenary Sessions I to V

LCC Awarding of Hall of Fame for Outstanding Literacy Program

This October 9, the 2019 National Literacy Conference with the theme, “Aligning 21st Century Literacies to Industry 4.0 through Research,” officially commenced through an Opening Program. The Entrance of Colors was executed by Ramon Avaceña National High School, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem performed by the Iloilo City National High School Chorale. An Interfaith Prayer was invocated by Ms. Leila G. Valencia, Education Program Supervisor of the DepEd Iloilo City Division. Mr. Alfredo Villanueva, Executive Assistant IV of Deped Region VI, warmly welcomed the 2019 NLC Participants. Meanwhile, Ms. Ma. Gemma M. Ledesma, Regional Director of DepEd Region VI, delivered her welcome remarks and acknowledged the resource speakers and other Regional Directors, as well as the Assistant Regional Directors. After the delivery of remarks, LCC Secretariat Chief Enrico R. Mendoza stated the Rationale of Activity and introduced the participants per region. NEDA Director Maryanne E. R. Darauay introduced the keynote speaker Diosdado M. San Antonio, DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction and Chairperson of LCC. According to Usec. San Antonio, the challenge to teachers is to “go beyond the traditional notion of what a literate person is, [not only] one who is able to read and write, but to be equipped with Industry 4.0 skills.”

Dr. Alfredo E. Pascual, former President of the University of the Philippines and current President of the Institute of Corporate Directors, and Dr. Sherlyne A. Acosta, Educational Research Unit Head of SEAMEO-Innotech, talked about the “Prospects and Challenges on Literacy for Industry 4.0 and the Literacy Research Agenda.” These were followed by the discussions on “Aligning Research on Pedagogies vis-à-vis 21st Century” and “Strengthening Participation of Stakeholders in Literacy Governance,” which were tackled by Dr. Allan B. De Guzman, University of Santo Tomas Professor, and Anna Liza F. Bonagua, DILG Director of Bureau of Local Government Development, respectively. John Arnold S. Siena, Director IV of the National Educators Academy of the Philippines, Teacher Education Council Secretariat’s Executive Director Runvi V. Manguerra, and Dr. Gina O. Gonong, PNU Director for Research Center joined the panel discussion on “Capacitating Literacy Educators and Workers.” Said discussion was facilitated by Mr. Addie T. Unsi of E-Net Philippines.

Highlighting Day 1 of the 2019 NLC was the awarding of LCC’s Hall of Fame for Outstanding Literacy Program. The Hall of Fame Award was received by the Socio-economic Uplift Literacy Anthropological and Developmental Services (SULADS, Inc.), receiving a cash prize worth Php 100,000 and a Hall of Fame trophy. Dr. Ephraim L. Pitogo, President of SULADS, Inc., delivered his acceptance speech and appreciated DepEd and LCC for their overwhelming support and undying recognition of their program. SULADS, Inc., a non-government organization reaching out to indigenous people, is a three-time first place winner in the LCC’s National Literacy Awards.