Events

Enhancing Organizational Excellence: LCC Conducts Staff Development Workshop

In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape, training has played a crucial role in achieving organizational success. Acknowledging this important aspect of learning and development, the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) has organized a Staff Development Workshop for its secretariat and member representatives. This event took place from August 14 to 17, 2023 at the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP) Region XII in General Santos City and proved to be a transformative experience for all participants.

By investing in the skills, knowledge, and abilities of its workforce, the Council paves the way for improved performance, increased job satisfaction, and enhanced organizational excellence. Through this activity, the participants were able to gain the following:

1. Skill Enhancement. The workshop provided an avenue for participants to acquire new skills and enhance existing ones. These newfound skills will not only empower them to perform their current roles more effectively but also equip them to take on more challenging responsibilities in the future.

2. Knowledge Enrichment. In an era characterized by rapid information exchange, staying updated is paramount. Through the workshop’s informative sessions and discussions, participants were able to gain access to the latest trends, best practices, and insights, enabling them to make more informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to their organization’s success.

3. Networking Opportunities. The event brought together individuals from different Council member agencies, with different diverse backgrounds and roles within their respective organizations. This activity facilitated the exchange of ideas, experiences, and perspectives, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

4. Boosting Confidence and Morale. As participants acquire new skills and knowledge, their self-confidence naturally grows. This confidence would translate into improved job satisfaction and a positive work environment. High morale between and among the LCC Secretariat and the Council member representatives would surely lead to increased productivity and a greater sense of loyalty.

5. Career Advancement. The workshop’s focus on skill development and knowledge enrichment will undoubtedly open up new avenues for career growth. Participants will be better equipped to pursue higher roles within the organization, fostering a culture of internal promotion and progression.

6. Enhanced Problem-Solving. Through interactive sessions and group dynamics, participants were able to sharpen their problem-solving abilities. This will empower them to tackle challenges more effectively, contributing to a more agile and adaptive organizational culture.

7. Long-Term Organizational Benefits. While the immediate gains of the staff development are evident, the long-term advantages cannot be underestimated. The participants are now more than ever ready to take on future challenges in their roles and responsibilities, with more enthusiasm as they embark on contributing to the realization of LCC’s goals and objectives.

The workshop also featured the conduct of Training Needs Assessment aimed at identifying areas and needs for learning and development of the LCC Secretariat and Council member representatives. Future training and staff development programs shall be based on the results of this assessment.

The LCC appreciates the participation of the representatives from the House of Representatives, Philippine Information Agency, National Economic and Development Authority, and E-Net Philippines, alongside with the members of the LCC Secretariat and resource persons.

Launching of LCC Radio Program

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The Philippine Information Agency undertakes media advocacy to promote the thrusts and programs of the Council. In line with this, a 30-minute radio program segment was aired at DZXB radio station in Zamboanga City to sustain the Council’s various programs in remote areas of the country where literacy rate is at its lowest.

Presently however, the Provincial Orientation Toward Universalization of Functional Literacy is deferred for assessment. Thus, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) strongly recommends the production of a regular radio program to sustain the presence of the Council and its various programs in remote areas of the country where literacy rate is at its lowest. 

The general objective of this radio program is to intensify advocacy and social mobilization promoting literacy endeavors through radio broadcast. The areas covered by the implementation of the said radio program are Zamboanga Peninsula and ARMM (BASULTA). 

On June 24, 2009, the LCC in cooperation with the PIA launched the radio program at the Marshan Garden Hotel, Zamboanga City with the Honorable Ramon C. Bacani, DepEd Undersecretary and LCC Chairman as first official guest of the maiden broadcast. The launching was also attended by local tri-media practitioners; regional DepEd officials; representatives from the National Economic and Development Authority; the academe; non-government organizations; and LCC Secretariat head Dr. Norma L. Salcedo and staff Ms. Marianne C. Centeno. 

The radio program entitled “Literasi Laban sa Kahirapan” is addressed to all stakeholders involved in fighting poverty by addressing the literacy problem of our society. 

During the launching, PIA region IX presented the radio program module. The presentation focused on the thematic title of the modules and radio program workplan which include the topics and flow of discussion of the program.

Radio Program

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LCC believes that mass media is one effective way of improving the delivery of basic education, expand the reach of educational program sespecially in remote areas, and promote the cultural heritage of the country.

The Literacy Coordinating Council, in coordination with the Philippine Information Agency has planned to implement massive advocacy and social mobilization through its Literasi Laban sa Kahirapan advocacy radio program.

Literasi Laban sa Kahirapan

  1. Advocacy

    – An act of persuading people to bring about a voluntary change in judgment; to support a cause; and adhere to a belief that they may not hold before.

    – It is a deliberate and strategic use of information to influence decision-making.

Purpose

– To change the perception or understanding of decision-makers on problems/issues.

– To influence their choice(s) in making decisions. 

– To change decision-making behavior. 

– As a strategy, advocacy makes use of a combination of methods, messages, and approaches to achieve its objectives.

– As a message strategy, attention is on: 

•   content of message/information 
•   language use 
•   organization of information 
•   the appeal 
•   the timing of the message delivery 

– Message appeals can be: 

•   emotional appeal 
•   motivational appeal 
•   moral appeal 
•   rational appeal 

II. The Radio Program 

– Dubbed as Literacy Laban sa Kahirapan, the radio program is addressed to all stakeholders involved in fighting poverty by addressing the literacy problems and concerns in our society. 

– Its main objective is to help bring about change. 

• traditional perception and understanding on the issue of literacy; 
• stakeholders’ decision-making and behavior towards literacy-related concerns in  our quest for peace and development and in the attainment of quality of life.

The radio program will be aired 
•   in the vernacular 
•   in a local provincial radio station 
•   for 30 minutes per episode, once a week 
•   for a total of 20 episodes in 20 weeks

– To popularize and entice more listeners the program will integrate a Q & A portion. Mobile phone loads will be awarded to the first texter (or group of texters) with the correct answer. 

– An inter-agency monitoring team will be established: 
•   to provide feedback and observations on the conduct of the radio program; give suggestions/recommendations on how the program can be enhanced further; 
•   to note, document, and report developments that may be of significance during the program review and for inclusion in the terminal report. 

III. The Radio Program Workplan 

– Every episode has a workplan (or “lesson plan”); a specific subject matter for discussion; and a set of objectives to be achieved. 

– The flow of discussion is scheduled; time-framed for time management purposes. 

– The workplan pre-specifies the Talking Points and the Advocacy Line for the program host (and co-host) to expand. 

– It is critical therefore, that the program host must have sufficient background readings and internalization of the subject matter. 

– While the radio program workplan contains the outline or skeletal frame of discussion, it is the program host who does the “fleshing-in” and leads in the spirited meat of discussions. 

– The radio program is therefore, in principle, “a live show.”

– Categorized under major subjects, the whole course is divided into eight modules, to include the introductory module. 

– As may be noted, some modules have only one episode; others have three to four episodes, bearing thematic subject titles. 

IV. Thematic Title of Modules 

Intro/Radio Program Overview 

1. Literasi Laban sa Kahirapan 

– Literacy in Context 

2. Defining Basic Literacy vis-a-vis Functional Literacy

  1. Simple Literacy Rates: Inferences from FLEMMS
  2. A Closer Look at Statistics on the OSs
  3. OSYs and the Philippine Placement Test (NETRC-DepEd) 

    – The Government’s thrust on Literacy

    6. In a nutshell: The Literacy Coordinating Council (RA 7165); The Functions of LCC and Member Agencies; The DepEd’s Alternative Learning System 

    – The National Literacy Conference and Awards 

    7. Theme: Literacy and Empowerment
  4. The NLA and Past Year’s Winners
  5. The Hall of Fame Awards

    – Mandates and Guidelines

    10. Proclamation No. 239; AO No. 324; Memo Circular No. 36
  6. Joint Circular No. 614; Procl No. 614; Other legal references
  7. Nat’l Service Training Program RA 9153

    – Local People in Literacy Programs

    13. The DepEd Alternative Learning System
  8. The LGU/NGO Literacy Programs (How to Organize one)
  9. The Literacy Workers in Our Midst (Mobile Teachers et al)
  10. A Look at Local Program Beneficiary(ies)

    – Indigenous Peoples in Focus

    17. Literacy Concerns and Activities of the NCIP
  11. Feature: An NGO Literacy Program for IPs
  12. Partner Agencies for People Empowerment
  13. Feature: An Indigenous OSY Speaks

    – Education For All (EFA)

    21. An Overview of Education For All
  14. A Round Table Discussion: Literacy for All

    23. Literasi Laban sa Kahirapan Program Highlights

LCC celebrates 18th year anniversary

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The Literacy Coordinating Council celebrated its 18th year anniversary last November 20, 2009 at SEAMEO INNOTECH, Commonwealth Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City. The celebration, with the theme LCC@18: A Renewal of Commitment, proved to be significant and memorable as it was graced by former members and representatives of the Council and other literacy advocates, such as former presidents of the Philippine Normal University and Council members Commissioner Nilo L. Rosas, Dr. Gloria G.  Salandanan, and Atty. Lilia S. Garcia.

During the program, LCC Chairman Undersecretary Ramon C. Bacani presented a report  about the beginnings of LCC and its activities and achievements for the last 18 years.  He emphasized in his report that the celebration was a great moment and a well deserved one, with LCC’s long years of struggling to understand, find ways, and grasp the essence and meaning of its mission and purpose to bring the good news of literacy throughout the country. He also thanked former Senator Santanina T. Rasul for her dedication to uplift the lives of many people; the late President Corazon C. Aquino for her legacy of freedom and meaningful service to all Filipinos; and the faithful partners, friends, and fellow travelers who have embraced the dream of universalizing literacy in the country. He closed his presentation by saying, “As we begin a new chapter in our journey – a journey to the next eighteen more years into the future, let us promise one another…WALANG IWANAN!”

Also part of the celebration was the awarding of plaques of appreciation to previous and present Council Members, and plaque of recognition to literacy advocate Efren Peñaflorida, 2009 CNN Hero and leader of the Dynamic Team Company, represented by his sister Glenis May Peñaflorida, a teacher from Palmridge School in Las Piñas City. The last and most meaningful part of the activity was the simple ritual of renewal of commitment and advocacy to literacy of Council members.

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100th LCC Meeting cum Christmas Party

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LCC held its 100th meeting cum Christmas Party last December 15, 2009 at SEAMEO INNOTECH, Quezon City. The first part of the activity was the discussion of the 2010 National Literacy Awards revised criteria and guidelines for selection.

A brief information regarding the  status of the LCC website development and assessment of the radio program by PIA together with Dr. Norma L. Salcedo held in Pagadian and Zamboanga City last December 3-4, 2009 were also tackled during the meeting.

The  second part of the activity was devoted to the celebration of the Christmas Party facilitated by Ms. Zerlan A. Torres of the LCC Secretariat. The Council and the Technical Working Group enjoyed singing, dancing, and gift giving.

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2010 National Literacy Awards Regional Orientation on the Revised Criteria and Guidelines for Selection

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A workshop on the revision of the National Literacy Awards (NLA) Criteria and Guidelines for Selection was conducted last December 9, 2009 in preparation for the 2010 NLA. Participants to the workshop were members of the LCC Secretariat and Technical Working Group (TWG). Based on the observations and experiences of the TWG members and feedback received from the field, the group was able to come up with the revised set of guidelines which will be used by the regional and national board of judges in evaluating the entries that will compete in this year’s awards.

Also, as part of LCC’s information awareness campaign on the NLA, orientation will be conducted at the DepEd regional offices of each of the 16 regions from February 1 to March 19. The orientation aims to acquaint and familiarize the Regional Selection Committee with the revised NLA Criteria and Guidelines for Selection, and encourage more individuals and other sectors to actively participate in the awards in pursuit of universalizing literacy in the country.

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2010-2012 LCC Strategic Planning Workshop

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The LCC Secretariat together with the Technical Working Group (TWG) conducted a two-day workshop for its three-year strategic plan. The workshop, held last January 28-30, 2010 at the International Convention Center in Tagaytay City, aimed to formulate and develop the 2010-2012 Strategic Plan to support and guide the Secretariat in its day-to-day operations.

LCC Head Dr. Norma L. Salcedo welcomed the participants and encouraged them to make concerted efforts and share each one’s knowledge and skills to come up with an effective and implementable 2010-2012 strategic plan.

Ms. Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela of SEAMEO INNOTECH was facilitator of the workshop. Accomplishment reports for the year past were delivered by the LCC Secretariat as follows: Willy A. Catangui for Research and Policy Development, Analiza S. Dy for Monitoring and Evaluation, Zerlan A. Torres for Capability Building, Ma. Teresita C. Manlolo for Localization, Marianne C. Centeno for Advocacy and Social Mobilization, and Dr. Norma L. Salcedo for Networking.

After the presentation, the TWG members were grouped into two – Research and Monitoring and Evaluation (RME); and Capability, Localization, Advocacy and Social Mobilization, and Networking (CLAN) groups. Each group was tasked to review the previous strategic plan and improve on and/or develop new ones which could be appropriate or necessary.

The groups’ output were critiqued by some Council members, the final copies of which will be passed to the Council members for approval.

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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.