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LCC Visits SULADS for Special Award of Excellence in Literacy

On June 13-17, 2022, the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) through its National Literacy Awards (NLA) Board of Judges (BOJ) for Special Awards of Excellence in Literacy (SAEL) category conducted an onsite validation with SULADS, Philippines in Valencia City, Bukidnon.

Upon the arrival of the LCC validation team, Ptr. Ephraim Pitogo of SULADS, in collaboration with DepEd Regional Office X and Malaybalay City Schools Division Office prepared a simple welcome program at Loiza’s Pavilion in Malaybalay City where an initial presentation of SULADS’ literacy programs was showcased. It also featured sharing of inspiring testimonies from various groups, including program organizers, implementors, partners, and beneficiaries. On the next day, an Opening Conference was organized at Mountain View College at Valencia City, Bukidnon. This allowed the validation team to get to know SULADS’ literacy programs, people, and processes up close. During the said activity, deaf learners, Indigenous Peoples (IP) learners, selected DepEd focal persons, SULADS key officials and volunteers were present to share their experiences while being actively involved in the discussion during the Open Forum. Aside from the Opening Conference, the LCC Validation Team also spent the rest of the week by conducting ocular visits on some of the sites where SULADS’ literacy programs are being facilitated such as the SULADS Deaf Literacy Center located at Malaybalay City and SULADS Comprehensive High School for the LUMADS at Lumintao, Quezon.  The LCC validation team was also able to experience the challenges yet fulfilling hike SULADS teacher volunteers would normally do when visiting Brgy. Lumintao. Indeed, the richness of the culture, the warm welcome and hunger for literacy of the IP communities on the mountaintop would equal to none, especially after hearing all their stories of literacy and its impact to their lives.

Ms. Susan M. Carandang of the National Economic Development Authority served as one of the BOJs for the SAEL category of NLA. Other members of the BOJ are Mr. Addie Unsi of The Asia Foundation and Atty. Katryn Cadiente from the office of Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian. The BOJ members were accompanied by the LCC Secretariat (LCCS) staff composed of Mr. Enrico Mendoza, Ms. Czarina Abellonar and Ms. Jem Beryline Bualat.

The LCCS would like to take this opportunity to extend its gratitude to SULADS Philippines through Ptr. Pitogo and his team, DepEd RO X, the IP communities, partners, and other individuals who actively participated in and assisted the validation team during the entire duration of the field visit.

The final list of NLA winners, inclusive of the SAEL and regular NLA Search, will be revealed during the conduct of the 2022 NLA Awarding Ceremonies. Final details on the said upcoming event will be announced through a formal communication and through the LCC’s official website at https://lcc.deped.gov.ph and Facebook page at: https://facebook.com/LiteracyCoordinatingCouncil.

Jem Beryline S. Bualat

PDO II / LCC Secretariat

The Council Approves the LCC Resolution on the Adoption of the National Literacy Framework

On June 27, 2022, the Council convened for the 150th LCC Meeting held at the BCD Conference Room, DepEd Complex in Pasig City. Mr. Zaldy I. Masangkay, Division Chief of Bureau of Local Government Development, representative of Dir. Annaliza Bonagua of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), presided over the meeting, DILG being the Co-Chairperson of the Council.

One of the highlights of the said meeting was the approval of the LCC Resolution on the Adoption of the National Literacy Framework, an output of the study conducted by the research team of Dr. Heidi  Macahilig of the Philippine Normal University (PNU). With the Council’s issuance of this Resolution, additional reference and evidence-based data and information are now made available for the revision and enhancement of the Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) survey tool, K-12 curriculum education, teacher education curriculum, and design of curriculum for localized and contextualized literacy advocacies and activities at the grassroots level. (Link to the NLF’s Technical Report: https://lcc.deped.gov.ph/NLFCopy)

Meanwhile, the Council commended the LCC Secretariat for its competence, effectiveness, and efficiency in facilitating the conduct of LCC programs and projects implemented during the first two quarters of the year despite limited work force, funds, and other challenges met during the pandemic. They also expressed their high hopes on the success of upcoming activities of the Council for the remaining quarters of 2022, and beyond. 

As for the National Literacy Awards, updates in the conduct of the regional search were discussed, as well as the latest information on the onsite validation of entries for the Special Award of Excellence in Literacy category.

The 150th LCC Meeting was attended by Mr. Zaldy I. Masangkay of the DILG, Ms. Josephine L. Babaran of Philippine Information Agency, Ms. Susan M. Carandang of National Economic and Development Authority, Dr. Heidi B. Macahilig of PNU, and Mr. Enrico R. Mendoza, Ms. Czarina D. Abellonar, Ms. Jem Beryline S. Bualat, Ms. Marikka P. Mampusti, Mr. Ryan Rondrigo, Ms. Jonnabel D. Escartin, Mr. Kean Osmund F. Aquino, Ms. Ma. Teresita C. Manlolo and Mr. Wilfredo A. Catangui of the LCC Secretariat.

Literacy Coordinating Council meetings are held every quarter of the year and the next meeting is set to be conducted  in September.

Jem Beryline S. Bualat

PDO II

LCCS Visits the National Winner of the SAFE-CI Most Learning-Focused ALS CLC

June 15, 2022

While facilitating the conduct of the onsite validation for the 2022 National Literacy Awards in Region X, the LCC Secretariat had a privilege of having a brief visit to the Malaybalay City ALS CLC, the 2020-2021 National Winner of the Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Curriculum and Instruction or SAFE CI. Not only the CLC is award-winning and highly commendable, but also the ALS teachers, Division and Regional ALS focal persons, as well as their DepEd officials. Congratulations! We sincerely appreciate your outstanding contributions to the universalization of literacy in the Philippines.

LCC Secretariat

Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc., Rallies Behind the Literacy Coordinating Council in Universalizing Literacy Through the 2022 National Literacy Awards

Pursuant to its legal mandate to assist in identifying successful management schemes of literacy programs, adopt measures, and boost research and development work in literacy by government agencies and non-governmental organizations involved in literacy work, the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) has launched the National Literacy Awards in 1994 which gives out award and recognitions to outstanding local government units and non-government organizations that carried out best practices which helped in alleviating poverty and providing livelihood opportunities, among others.


In 2009, the LCC has decided to give out for the first time the highest literacy award entitled Special Award of Excellence in Literacy (SAEL) that is given to Hall of Fame awardees—first placers of the regular search for outstanding local government units and literacy programs who maintained their ranks for three years.


Aside from the national recognition and plaques the SAEL awardees have received from LCC, the Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation Inc. (CLFI), a non-stock, non-profit charitable represented by its President, Dr. Jean Henri D. Lhuillier has went above and beyond by serving as the official benefactor of cash component of said highest literacy award. This has paved way in cementing the partnership between the LCC and CLFI in its pursuit to universalize literacy in the country through the National Literacy Awards.


At the present time and in line with the preparation for the 2022 National Literacy Awards, the LCC and CLFI has revisited its long-standing partnership and has come into an agreement on the sponsorship of the LCC for the awardees of the Special Award of Excellence in Literacy leading to the provision of the CLFI of a total of Php300,000 for the designated recipient/s of the SAEL category for the 2022 NLA.

Photo taken during the virtual meeting of LCCS and CLFI last March 24, 2022, via Zoom

The LCC takes this opportunity to sincerely express its gratitude and appreciation for the unfaltering support of the CLFI to the endeavors of the Council. Beyond the sponsorship, the LCC believes that partners like CLFI plays a pivotal role in intensifying efforts to universalize literacy in the country. The LCC would also like to seize this chance and invite potential partners to heed to the call for more allies in rallying with the LCC in the universalization of literacy. Should you be interested, kindly reach out to LCC through lcc@deped.gov.ph or through its Facebook page, Literacy Coordinating Council.


Now, more than ever, we need all the support that we can get as we all strive to build a better Philippines by creating and sustaining literate environments.

Marikka P. Mampusti

Project Development Officer II

May 30, 2022

LCC Releases the Technical Report on the National Literacy Framework

Cover Page of the recently completed Technical Report on the National Literacy Framework spearheaded by the Philippine Normal University

On May 5, 2022, the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) Secretariat released via the National Literacy Information System (NLIS) the digital copy of the LCC’s Technical Report on the National Literacy Framework (NLF). Spearheaded by the Philippine Normal University, the Council’s lead member agency for Research, the research team composed of Dr. Heidi Macahilig, Project Director and Researcher, and Mr. Michael James Edpao, Researcher, conducted a study that developed an overarching framework of literacy skills and competencies that Filipinos need to develop and be equipped with for 21st century living. The definition of literacy which was included in the report was in the context of the Filipinos vis-à-vis the age of FIRe (fourth industrial revolution), and capabilities needed for 21st century living.

Dr. Heidi Macahilig presenting the National Literacy Framework to the Council during the 149th LCC Meeting on March 29, 2022 via Microsoft Teams

During the 149th LCC Meeting, the Council declared that this research output is essentially valuable for policy formulation in the country’s education system and literacy governance. Copies of the said report were also provided to DepEd’s Bureau of Curriculum Development, and the Philippine Statistics Authority for their consideration respectively on the relative curriculum review and crafting of the survey tool for the next conduct of Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS).

Geared towards the universalization of literacy, the Council comes up with various programs, projects and activities, which aim to cater to the emerging and diverge literacy needs of the country. This includes the conceptualization and conduct of a wide array of research studies on literacy; thus, the NLF, being one of them.

In connection with this, the LCC Secretariat would like to extend its gratitude to all concerned DepEd Regional and Schools Division Offices, Alternative Learning System Focal Persons and teachers, persons-in-charge of literacy programs from Local Government Units and Nongovernment Organizations, learners, and other relevant education stakeholders nationwide for sharing their expertise and participating in this important research endeavor. Hence, the LCCS would like to congratulate everyone for making this milestone possible and for bringing us all closer to the eradication of illiteracy in the country.

Technical Report on the National Literacy Framework released via LCC’s National Literacy Information System

The Council continues to yearn for research initiatives and forging of partnerships with different stakeholders. It strongly believes that by having a rich data on literacy will yield into better and relevant policy recommendations.

To view and get a copy of the technical report, please visit this link.

Be updated with LCC’s programs, projects, and activities through the LCCS’ official Facebook account and LCC website. 

Jem Beryline Bualat

Project Development Officer II

May 6, 2022

LCC’s 5 Program Pillars

In pursuit of achieving zero illiteracy in the country, the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) has been continuously improving its systems and processes, including program management.

In line with this, as provided for under Office Memorandum no. OM-LCC-2022-002, the LCC Secretariat instituted the program pillars that  serve as foundations in developing and managing the Council’s projects and activities on literacy, as mandated by law. Consequently on March 29, 2022, during the LCC’s 149th council meeting, the Secretariat launched the five (5) Program Pillars “LIYAB” which stands for Likha, Ilaw, Yaman, Aruga and Buklod.

This acronym, which in English means “blaze” represents the flame that is being symbolized in the LCC’s official logo. Each program pillar resonates the core function of the Council through its Key Result Areas namely, Policy Research and Development; Advocacy, Social Mobilization and Partnerships; Knowledge Management; Learning and Organizational Development; and Localization of LCC.

For further information, kindly refer to the attached infographics.

Jem Beryline Bualat

PDO II

LCCs-Program-Pillars_FINAL-1Download
LCCs-Program-Pilalrs_Page-1-of-2-2Download
LCCs-Program-Pilalrs_Page-2-of-2-2Download

LCC Secretariat Participates in the Deepening Session on Gender and Development

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), in line with its provision of proactive technical assistance to the education sector, conducted a Deepening Session on Gender and Development for Program Implementers on March 23-25, 2022 held via Zoom. The session’s objective is to level off the understanding of participants on GAD concepts and core messages to increase the capacity in promoting GAD in their area of jurisdiction. This online session was participated in by the Three Key Implementing Agencies (KIAs) from the PCW, DepEd and TESDA.

Atty. Kristine E. Yuzon-Chavez, Executive Director, Philippine Commission on Women delivers her welcome message.
Ms. Pamela C. Susara, Supervising GAD Specialist, PCW, presents the training overview.

A non-graded pre-test was administered by Ms. Joenna Tabu-Tattao, PCW Resource Person, to determine level of knowledge of participants on basic GAD concepts, GAD and mandates, gender mainstreaming and gender-based violence.

The GAD online training session seeks to achieve gender equality as a fundamental value. Government agencies are urged to have a GAD program to which at least 5% of their General Appropriations Act (GAA) total budget should be allotted.

LCCS and other education stakeholders’ participation in this activity will increase appreciation on gender mainstreaming as a strategy in achieving a gender fair education and understand GAD mandates and its relevance to education sector.

Czarina D. Abellonar

Project Development Officer III

2022 National Literacy Awards Finally Kicks Off During the 149th Council Meeting

After its deferral last 2020 due to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Literacy Coordinating Council has finally commenced its preparatory measures for the conduct of the 2022 National Literacy Awards (NLA) that is set to be conducted in September. Regarded as the major program of the LCC under its Advocacy, Social Mobilization, and Partnerships’ belt, the 2022 NLA is a biennial event that aims to honor and recognize outstanding individuals, institutions, local government units, and nongovernment organizations for their dedication, commitment, and contribution in eradicating illiteracy in their respective communities. To onboard members and ensure alignment within its member agencies, the LCC Secretariat had the privilege to present the guidelines of the NLA as stipulated in the DepEd Memorandum no. 22, s. 2022 on 2022 National Literacy Awards. This happened last March 29, 2022, during the Council’s 149th LCC meeting. The specific parts highlighted are the objectives of the 2022 NLA, its categories, and processes involved in the whole conduct such as the nomination, regional selection, and national selection process. This was presented by Ms. Marikka P. Mampusti, focal person of the program.

On top of the presentation of the guidelines, the nominated members of the Board of Judges who are responsible for the screening, evaluation, and onsite validation of regional NLA entries and selection of the national winners for each of the NLA categories have also received their approval from the Council.

In line with its effort to make headway in ensuring the successful conduct of the NLA, the LCC Secretariat has committed to strengthening the dissemination of the program’s information, education, and communication materials to boost the advocacy of the NLA and at the same time, stir up the interest and drive of the literacy champions all over the country to join the NLA.

Moreover, to guide our field personnel on the activities and procedures set forth in the DM 22, s. 2022, the LCC shall hold a national orientation on April 20-22, 2022 which specifically aims to (a) increase awareness on existing programs, projects, and activities of the LCC; (b) capacitate field personnel on the processes and documentary requirements needed to facilitate the nomination, selection, and validation of NLA entries efficiently and effectively; (c) build readiness and confidence of field personnel in spearheading pertinent activities for the 2022 NLA.

After the completion of the discussion on the other agenda items for the 149th LCC meeting, namely Status of Agreements from the 148th LCC meeting, presentation of LCC’s FY 2022 Q1 Accomplishments and Q2 Activities, and approval of the LCC resolution on the adoption of the Manual on the Creation of Local Literacy Councils, the meeting was peacefully adjourned at 10:50 in the morning. For more information on the 2022 NLA, kindly read the DepEd Memorandum No. 22, s. 2022 at https://bit.ly/DM22S2022.

Marikka P. Mampusti

Project Development Officer II

LCC Conducts a Study on the Development of the National Literacy Framework

Yesterday, March 29, 2022, Dr. Heidi B. Macahilig, Philippine Normal University’s representative to the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) presented the results of the research study on the Development of the National Literacy Framework (NLF) during the 149th LCC Meeting. Dr. Macahilig, the research director explained the salient points of the study that yielded to the re-definition of what literacy is, geared towards 21st Century Skills and Fourth Industrial Revolution. She elaborated that the Filipino consciousness and unique features of the Philippine educational system play a huge role in literacy development in the country. This includes local literacy landscape as dictated by geography, economy, politics, languages and cultures. Hence, the development of the NLF.

Dr. Macahilig made clear that the framework developed as a result of the study could already be used for policy review and development.

As part of the next steps, the LCC Secretariat will provide a copy of NLF’s technical report to relevant agencies and offices for information and reference in policy formulation and program development, including the Philippine Statistics Authority in consideration of the definition of literacy, as well as the survey questions currently being reviewed for the next conduct of the Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS).

This LCC’s research initiative is significant to nation building especially on redefining what a literate Filipino is and equipping him/her with skills in order to be truly functional, productive and excellent amidst the 21st century.

Once finalized, the technical report for NLF can be accessed online via the Research on Literacy portal of the National Literacy Information System (NLIS) lodged at the LCC website (https://lcc.deped.gov.ph).

Jem Beryline S. Bualat

Project Development Officer II

DepEd BCD holds the Workshop on the Development of Communication and Messaging for Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)

The Bureau of Curriculum Development in coordination with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Center for Health Solutions and Innovations Philippines, Inc. (CHSI) held a Workshop on the Development of Communication and Messaging for Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) entitled “Setting the Stage: CSE Messaging Co-creation Workshop.” DepEd officials and personnel, field implementers, CSE TWG Members, CSE Regional Focal Persons, SSG/Student Leaders, Parents and other relevant stakeholders participated the said event on March 7-8, 2022 via Zoom.

Ms. Amyline Quien Ching sharing to the participants what makes up an effective and concrete message to the desired target group

On Day 1, the group focused on the advocacy of CSE and the importance of each individual in promoting this cause and garnering support through partnerships and linkages. The said dialogue also included sharing of challenges encountered across all governance level and introduction of communication geared towards advocacy. Meanwhile, on Day 2, the discussion highlighted the effective ways of constructing messages to varied target audience and the power of communication. This 2-day workshop provided a safe yet engaging environment to all participants resulting to rich sharing of insights and perspectives, and in-depth learning from everyone during the breakout sessions and presentation of outputs.

Facilitators are assigned for each breakout group to ensure the active engagement and commitment from all participants in promoting and advocating the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE).

As part of the next steps, the organizers will be conducting a series of coaching sessions with the rest of the group sometime in April this year.

Finally, Ms. Amyline Quien Ching, one of the resource persons, asked everyone to post online their respective commitments before proceeding to the Photo Opportunity.

The Council would like to thank the BCD for extending its invitation to the LCC Secretariat. Raising awareness and being in one on this advocacy is truly relevant especially on the rise of teenage and unwanted pregnancies and widespread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in the country today. Engagement in unsafe sexual activities and unprepared pregnancies are two of the reasons a youth/adult becomes out of school. Understanding deeply this multi-faceted concept provides relevant perspectives and rich insights from the ground to the Council, affecting its future literacy policies and directions.

Participants posing together during the Photo Opportunity

Jem Beryline S. Bualat

Project Development Officer II