Pasig City, 14 April 2025 – The World Literacy Foundation recognizes individuals and organizations for their outstanding endeavors that promote literacy learning through the World Literacy Awards. The Awards are an initiative of the World Literacy Foundation, a peak global literacy charity and the World Literacy Council. One of the categories of the awards is “Significant Contribution to Literacy by a Nation,” being bestowed upon a government entity for its outstanding government policies and improvements in literacy and education.
This year, the World Literacy Foundation gave this award to the Philippines. A special recognition was given to the Department of Education’s Literacy Coordinating Council for its recent establishment of 300 local literacy centers across 1,634 cities and municipalities nationwide. On behalf of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. accepted the award at an awarding ceremony held in Oxford, United Kingdom on April 7, 2025. The Philippines was the only country honored at this year’s ceremony, underscoring the international recognition of its national efforts to improve literacy.
“We are honored by this recognition…, which affirms what we’ve long believed – literacy thrives when communities lead. Thanks to the Literacy Coordinating Council, over 300 local literacy centers are now turning education initiatives to lasting change. With the continued support from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and our partner agencies, we aim to bring this momentum to every city and municipality, building a more informed and future-ready Philippines,” says Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
The LCC was commended for its strong advocacy and support in the establishment of local literacy councils in cities and municipalities across the country, through its localization program. These local councils serve as local governance mechanisms that ensure literacy programs are implemented in ways that are tailored to the unique needs of each community. One of the most significant contributions of these local councils is the establishment of community learning centers. These centers act as hubs for non-formal education and community-based literacy programs. Depending on the locality, they are known by various names such as reading centers, Alternative Learning System (ALS) centers, and learning hubs, but all serve the common goal of empowering learners through accessible, relevant, and quality education services.
To date, there are more than 300 active local literacy councils operating throughout the Philippines. These councils vary in structure and size but are united in their commitment to improving literacy and education outcomes within their respective communities. Their efforts include:
• Coordinating literacy campaigns and education drives
• Mobilizing community participation and local resources
• Partnering with local schools, NGOs, government agencies, and the private sector
• Establishing and maintaining community learning centers
• Supporting literacy mapping and data collection
• Implementing community-based literacy programs
These grassroots mechanisms allow literacy programs to be implemented with a deeper understanding of local context and culture, making interventions more effective and sustainable.
In a show of sustained commitment to celebrating grassroots literacy champions, the LCC also leads the National Literacy Awards (NLA)—a biennial recognition program that honors outstanding Local Government Units (LGUs) and literacy workers who have demonstrated innovation and dedication in implementing literacy initiatives.
Through the NLA, LGUs with active and effective local literacy councils are spotlighted and rewarded for their contributions to national development through education. This recognition not only boosts morale but also encourages other LGUs to invest in and prioritize literacy programming.
DepEd warmly welcomes the international recognition accorded to the Philippines through the World Literacy Award. This highlights the collective efforts of the Literacy Coordinating Council in promoting inclusive, community-based education. We thank the World Literacy Foundation and remain committed to reaching every Filipino learner and building a more literate, empowered nation.
With the support local chief executives and the whole community, we hope to reach more cities and municipalities and encourage them to put up their own local councils and establish more literacy centers.