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LCC 101st Meeting

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The Literacy Coordinating Council held its 101st meeting last March 26, 2010 at SEAMEO INNOTECH, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.

The meeting, presided over by Deped Undersecretary Bacani, tackled the results of and issues raised during the National Literacy Awards Regional Orientation on the Revised Criteria and Guidelines for Selection conducted by the LCC Secretariat from February 2 to March 19, 2010. The issues were presented by Dr. Norma L. Salcedo, head of the LCC Secretariat.

Also taken up during the meeting were the approval on third reading of the amendment to RA 7165 during the Senate Hearing and the presentation of the proposed 2010-2012 Strategic Plan, which was approved by the Council.

LCC convenes 2010 NLA BOJs

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The Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC)  convened the Board of Judges (BOJs) for this year’s National Literacy Awards (NLA) last May 24, 2010 to acquaint the judges on the revised criteria and guidelines for selection of literacy programs, terms of reference of BOJs and Coordinators, and guidelines on the conduct of ocular visits; and to distribute to the respective judges the documents submitted by the local government units (lgu) for review.

The composition of the judges include members of the LCC technical working group and representatives from government agencies and civic organizatiions. Three judges are assigned in each of the five categories: Outstanding Literacy Program and Outstanding Local Government Units – Independent Component and Component City, Highly Urbanized City, Municipal Level Class A, and Municipal Level Class B.

The initial part of the selection process is the review of the documents  submitted by each  lgu, from which the top five nominees shall be chosen. Verification of the top five nominees’ literacy programs follows through ocular visit and on-site validation by the BOJs and LCC-NLA Coordinators. The ranking of winners in every category shall be presented to the Council prior to the Awards.

Winners will be  announced during the National Literacy Awards and Conference to be held on the second week of September, coinciding with the celebration of National Literacy Week. They will receive prizes which include plaques of recognition and cash.

A Toast to the Longest Serving DepEd Executive and LCC Chairman

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Dr. Ramon C. Bacani
Undersecretary, DepEd
Chairman, LCC

The Literacy Coordinating Council gave tribute to Usec. Ramon C. Bacani last July 27, 2010 at the Richmonde Hotel, Pasig City for his valuable contributions as Chaiman of the Council as well as his leadership in education.

The Literacy Coordinating Council members and secretariat have witnessed Usec Bacani’s dedicati0n to work, how, as chairperson of LCC, he shared his wisdom and made known his efforts and support in fulfilment of the goal of LCC, that of universalizing literacy throughout the country. As we gear towards our target of reducing illiteracy rate by 50 percent in 2015, we likewise honor the person who held this endeavor to heart.

His leaving the LCC family is both a heartwarming and sentimental falling apart. Heartwarming because even as he transfers home from DepEd to Innotech, we believe he takes this challenge as yet another opportunity to observe and serve; and sentimental because we would miss his constant proddings and motivation. But, as his transfer is a new journey to the same and constant call of improving the literacy conditions not only in the country but in Asia, we share in his excitement to oblige in that institution, which commences on August 1.

In appreciation of his service and thanksgiving for his presence at LCC, we give you a glimpse of the person of Ramon C. Bacani, Undersecretary for Regional Operations of the Department of Education and Chairman of the Literacy Coordinating Council, and incoming Director of SEAMEO INNOTECH.

Born in Sasmoan, Pampanga, Usec. Bacani as he is often called, is married to Marcelina Espinoza. Their union was blessed with three children – Ramon Miguel, Helena Christina, and Sarina Natividad.

Usec. Bacani finished his elementary and high school at Lourdes School of Quezon City and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management Engineering from De La Salle University (DLSU) in Manila. He also received a certificate in Development Economics from the University of the Philippines in 1974, and his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the Massachusets Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School of Management under a National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) scholarship.

Just recently, he was conferred Doctor of Education (Honoris causa) by the Western Mindanao State University in Zamboanga City on July 20, 2010.

Usec. Bacani’s first job was in the government sector. He became Staff Economist and Industry and Utilities Specialist in NEDA regional office in Davao City. He then became Staff Economist of the Regional Development Staff, heading the Macroeconomics Division in NEDA central office in Pasig City.

After NEDA, Usec. Bacani served the Department of Budget and Management as Director of Research Staff, Training and Information Service, Systems and Procedures Bureau, and Government Corporations Budget Bureau.

He also worked at the Department of Health and Hospitals, City of Boston, under the Boston Environmental Health Improvement Program.

He had short-term consultancy in World Bank projects; Asian Development Bank projects; United Nations Children’s Fund East Asia and Pacific Regional Office in Bangkok, Thailand; and United Nations Centre for Regional Development in Nagoya, Japan.

Usec. Bacani’s talent and skills in managing an institution did not go unnoticed when he was at the Department of Education. He served the agency in different capacities that made him one of DepEd’s most endeared high ranking officials. Before he was appointed undersecretary for regional operations, Usec. Bacani served as undersecretary for programs and projects; assistant secretary for planning, administration and human resources; deputy project director of the Third Elementary Education Project (TEEP); and chair of the steering committee for the implementation of the UNICEF-funded Country Programs for Children Education For All (CPC-EFA).

He had also been presiding officer in the board of trustees/regents of several state colleges and universities and project coordinator in the Second Elementary Education Project of the World Bank Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund.

Part of his duty as Undersecretary of DepEd was the chairmanship of the Literacy Coordinating Council starting in 2000. He has served the Council for 10 years, making him the longest-serving chairperson of the Council. He has accomplished much in contributing towards a literate Philippines with the literacy programs the Council pursues.

One of his major accomplishments as Council chairperson is the amendment of RA 7165 now known as RA 10122, strengthening the Literacy Coordinating Council with a provision to create a permanent Secretariat workforce to support the Council and doubling the budget of the Council from ten million pesos to twenty million.

But beyond the person that you see at DepEd and LCC is also a more laid-down creation with a heart for the Church and His people. He believes that the voluminous tasks at DepEd are balanced by the soul-inspiring and spirit-lifting work of serving God and His community. Usec. Bacani and his wife Madam Net are active members of Couples for Christ. He leads the Couples for Christ DepEd chapter. He always finds time to attend its regular meetings and special occasions which may be little in the eyes of humans but great before the eyes of the Almighty.

A toast for Usec. Bacani for the many fruitful years of service at DepEd and LCC, and as new Director of SEAMEO INNOTECH.

Cheers!

2010 National Literacy Awards

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The National Literacy Awards (NLA), held every two years, is a major activity of LCC in its effort to recognize individulas, institutions, and local government units with outstanding literacy programs in their communities. It is also in line with the United Nations’ Literacy Decade goal of reducing illiteracy by 50 percent by 2015.

The NLA particularly aims to contribute to the realization of the goal of universalizing literacy in the Philippines by creating public awareness and interest in the programs and projects addressing this concern; sustain, expand, and institutionalize literacy efforts by motivating and recognizing individuals, institutions, and local government units through awards and appropriate recognition; encourage the development and replication of innovative,creative, and indigenous literacy programs; and bestow honor and recognition to outstanding individuals and government and nongoverment organizations for their dedication, commitment and contribution to the universalization of literacy in their respective communities.

The Awards has two main categories – Outstanding Literacy Program and Outstanding Local Government Unit. The outstanding literacy program award is given to a literacy program implemented by a nongovernment or civic organization or academic institution, which has evident positive impact on the learners and the community. The program should have contributed to the transformation of learners into productive and more responsible community members.

The outstanding local government unit (LGU) award on the other hand, is given to a local government unit which has developed policies, programs, and projects conducive to literacy development and which programs have efficaciously made a positve impact on the barangays and the quality of life of the people.

The outstanding LGU category is subdivided into the following:
 –  Highly Urbanized Cities
 –  Independent Component and Component Cities
 –  First to Third Class Municipalities (Class A)
 –  Fourth to Sixth Class Municipalities (Class B)

On May 6, 2010 the LCC Secretariat received a total of 48 regional entries to vie for the NLA. The said entries were endorsed by the Secretariat to the Board of Judges for the shortlisting process. The top five nominees have been chosen and evaluated during actual onsite validation in July.

Following are the list of top five nominees:

Outstanding Literacy Program

Region II  –  FCF-RLF Literacy Program:
                 Bridging the Literacy Divide Among 
                 the Marginalized Upland Communities
                 Nueva Vizcaya

          V  –  Education for Life
                 St. Louise de Marillac Foundation
                 Sorsogon City

         IX  –  Centers for Social Concerns and Development
                 of Siayan
                 Zamboanga del Monte

          X  –  Sumpong Literacy Program
                 Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

Outstanding Local Government Unit

Highly Urbanized City 

Region  IV-B  –  Puerto Princesa City
                      Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn

            VIII  –  Tacloban City 
                      Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez

              XI  –  Davao City
                      Mayor Sara Z. Duterte

             XII  –  General Santos City
                      Mayor Darlene Antonio Custodio

     CARAGA  –  Butuan City
                     Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr.

          NCR  –  Pasay City
                    Mayor Antonino G. Calixto  

Independent Component and Component City

Region  III  –  Balanga City
                   Mayor Jose Enrique S. Garcia, III

            X  –  Malaybalay City
                   Mayor Florencio T. Flores, Jr.

           XI  –  Tagum City
                   Mayor Rey T. Uy

            V  –  Sorsogon City
                   Mayor Leovic R. Dioneda

           VI  –  Cadiz City
                   Mayor Salvador G. Escalante, Jr.

Municipal Level Class A

Region  I  –  Municipality of Mangaldan, Pangasinan
                 Mayor Hermino A. Romero

         III  –  Municipality of Plaridel, Bulacan
                  Mayor Anastacia C. Tristan

      IV-A  –  Municipality of Rosario, Batangas
                 Mayor Felipe A. Marquez

          V  –  Municipality of Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte
                 Mayor Ricarte R. Padilla

         XI  –  Municipality of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur
                 Mayor Joel ray L. Lopez

Municipal Level Class B

Region  I  –  Municipality of Laoac, Pangasinan
                 Mayor Silverio D. Alarcio, Jr., CEO VI

          II  –  Municipality of Ballesteros, Cagayan
                  Mayor Violeta T. Unite

 CARAGA  –  Municipality of Tubod, Surigao del Norte
                 Mayor Cristina Hemady R. Arcillas

       VIII  –  Municipality of San Julian, Eastern Samar
                 Mayor George N. Erroba

          V  –  Municipality of Bato, Catanduanes
                 Mayor Eulogio R. Rodriguez 

Winners for each category from first to fifth place will be awarded cash prizes and trophies courtesy of LCC and National Bookstore. The first place winner will likewise receive a presidential trophy. The awarding ceremony will be held during the Literacy conference on September 10, 2010 at Baguio Teachers Camp, Baguio City.

2010 National Literacy Conference and Awards

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In celebration of the annual Literacy Week, the Department of Education (DepEd), through the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC), in cooperation and coordination with other Government Organizations (GOs), Local Government Units (LGUs), Private Organizations (POs) and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), will hold the National Literacy Conference and Awards for the year 2010 at Baguio Teachers Camp, Baguio City on September 8-11, 2010.

In line with the priority agenda of the United Nations Literacy Decade (UNLD) for 2009–2010: Literacy and Empowerment, the theme of the National Literacy Conference is:

Community Development: A Shared Responsibility to Society through Functional Literacy. 

– Program of Activities

The objectives of the conference are:

  • Identify and adopt ways and measures to strengthen partnership between the local government and the community in literacy programs;
  • Enable participation in development effort for the community; and
  • Generate and share ideas and experiences on good literacy practices.

The following participants are expected to attend the conference:

  1. Bureau, Center, and Regional Directors or their representatives; Bureau/Regional Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs; Regional Supervisors of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and Formal Education;
  2. Schools Division Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents; Division Supervisors of ALS and Formal Education; District Supervisors; Principals/Head Teachers of Elementary and Secondary Public and Private Schools; and ALS Coordinators and Mobile Teachers especially those from the 5th and 6th Class Municipalities/Districts and Provinces included in the 30 focused barangays with lowest literacy rates (Please see attached list);
  3. Officers of government agencies with extension programs involving literacy or continuing education;
  4. Heads and members of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) involved in universalizing literacy in every region.
  5. Heads of Local Government Units (LGUs), Barangay Chairmen and Kagawad, Barangay Health Workers and Officers involved in the universalization of literacy;
  6. Heads of Private/Corporate Foundations with interest in education or literacy; and
  7. Heads and members of academic institutions particularly those in charge of National Service Training Program-Literacy Training Service (NSTP-LTS).

One of the highlights of the conference would be the awarding cash prizes and trophies to winners in the Literacy Programs and Local Government Units (Independent Component and Component City, Highly Urbanized City, Municipal Level Class A and B) categories for their exemplary accomplishments in literacy development through their programs and projects.

LCC launches Literasi para sa Kaunlaran radio program

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The Literacy Coordinating Council recently launched its “Literasi para sa Kaunlaran” radio program over DXIM Radyo ng Bayan in Cagayan de Oro City with Region X PIA Director Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob as host. Now on its third cycle, the radio program aims to promote the thrust and programs of LCC and to intensify advocacy and social mobilization in promoting literacy endeavors in areas of the country with lowest literacy rate.

DepEd Undersecretary and LCC chairperson Rizalino D. Rivera led the launching of the radio program aired live over DXIM Radyo ng Bayan and witnessed by Atty. Carol Orias-de Ocampo, chief of staff of the office of Usec. Rivera; Dr. Norma L. Salcedo, head of the LCC Secretariat; Ms. Liza Cuisia from the Philippine Information Agency central office; officials of the Department of Education Region X; the Philippine Information Agency Region X team; representatives of the National Economic and Development Authority; Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental; Municipal Government of Salay; DXIM station manager Ditas Gualberto; and officials/representatives of barangays with the lowest literacy rate in the 5th and 6th class municipalities of the country.

With the Philippine Information Agency as project implementor, the Literasi para sa Kaunlaran radio program hopes to promote the policy thrusts, directions, and programs initiated by the Literacy Coordinating Council and underscore the importance of functional literacy in the empowerment of people and in poverty and hunger mitigation efforts. More importantly, the program seeks to serve as an instrument of functional literacy.

Through the radio program, LCC hopes to convince parent listeners on the importance of sending their children to school, formal or nonformal; and to encourage out of school youth and indigenous people to avail of nonformal school placements and assessment programs.

The once a week radio segment aired live over DXIM Radyo ng Bayan in Cagayan de Oro City every Thursday, 2:00-3:00 p.m. starting October 14, 2010 will run on air for a period of six months. The regular episodes will be hosted by Director Cabahug-Aguhob.

Delayed telecasts will be shown on PARASAT cable TV 29 in Cagayan de Oro City every Saturday at 5:30-7:30 p.m. and in other cable stations in the five provinces of Northern Mindanao: Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental including Marawi City.

103rd LCC Meeting

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The 103rd LCC Meeting was held last June 29, 2010 at SEAMEO INNOTECH, presided over by DepEd Undersecretary Ramon C. Bacani. The translated definition of functional literacy and its indicators into eight Philippine languages and one dialect were presented by the translators and discussed by the Council.

Dr. Lourdes R. Quisumbing of Miriam Clollege  presented a song on Functional Literacy which she herself composed. The lyrics of the song correspond to the five strands of functional literacy. The same song will be launched during the National Literacy Conference and Awards in September 2010. The song was dedicated to the late Dr. Minda C. Sutaria, Consultant of LCC.  

Also tacked during the meeting were the results of FLEMMS 2008 presented by Ms. Benedicta Yabut of NSO, and the draft Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) presented by Mr. Nemesio O. Malatamban, III of the House of Representatives.

104th LCC Meeting

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LCC held its 104th meeting on July 27, 2010 at the Richmonde Hotel, Pasig City. The first part of the meeting was the tribute to outgoing Undersecretary Ramon C. Bacani in appreciation of and as thanksgiving for his services as Chairperson of the Council from year 2000 to 2009. A Plaque of Recognition was bestowed on him for his valuable contributions as well as his leadership in education.

The second part of the meeting was the discusssion of the Conference theme and objectives and presentation of the top five finalists for local government units and program categories for the National Literacy Awards (NLA). The top five NLA finalists and their winning points were presented by the Chairperson of the Board of Judges per category. Presentation was done by region and not by ranking of winners for confidentiality reasons. The winners will only be announced during the awarding ceremonies at the National Literacy Conference in Baguio City in September.

The meeting was presided over by Council member Erlinda M. Capones, Director of Social Development Staff  Division of the National Economic and Development Authority.

LCC Holds 105th Meeting

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LCC held its 105th meeting  last October 29, 2010 at  SEAMEO INNOTECH. Topics discussed during the meeting were the status of the recent developments on the implementation of Republic Act 10122, status of the proposed LCC Secretariat Staffing Pattern, and the Evaluation Report on the just concluded National Literacy Conference and Awards.

Discussion of contents of RA 10122 particularly section 7 which stipulates the allotted budget for LCC,  and the status  of the LCC staffing pattern were the primary focus of the meeting. The Council agreed to invite resource persons from the Department of Budgbet and Management and DepEd Management Team during the next LCC meeting to clarify issues and concerns on the above discussions