DepEd Assistant Secretary Janir Ty Datukan Graces the LCC’s Midyear Performance Review
June 28, 2024 – Quezon City. ASec Janir TY Datukan, Department of Education’s (DepEd) Assistant Secretary for Curriculum and Teaching – Education Assessment and Alternative Education joined the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) in its recently concluded 2024 Midyear Performance Review at the Great Eastern Hotel in Quezon City. In his inspirational message, ASec Janir underscored the role of the Council by saying that “there is a lot of work ahead, we have to dream big, we have to carry with us this burden, to really ensure that literacy gets to the grassroots level, especially to those people who are in need.”
The event which was held from June 25-28, 2024 aimed to assess the Council’s progress towards its implementation of programs and projects for the first two quarters of FY 2024; prepare for the Q3-Q4 activities of 2024; and build camaraderie among its LCC member representatives, Technical Working Group (TWG) and LCC Secretariat. Representatives from key organizations such as the Philippine Information Agency, Philippine Senate, National Economic and Development Authority, Philippine Normal University, and Synergeia Foundation participated in this three-day workshop.
Throughout the workshops, participants presented LCC’s accomplishments vis-à-vis the LCC Roadmap and Annual Implementation Plan and discussed how their respective agencies can better support the Council’s efforts. There was a strong commitment to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, recognizing the importance of effective relationships in fulfilling the LCC’s mandate.
Another highlight of the workshop is the LCC Learning Session where the invited resource person from the Bureau of Curriculum Development, Ms. Mildred Zamar shared insights on the integration of the Madrasah Education into the K-12 curriculum, emphasizing the importance of inclusive reforms in the education sector. She also highlighted the significance of fostering a strong community with diverse personalities in the workplace. During her session, participants explored their unique personalities through a personality test and engaged in a teambuilding activity designed to underscore the value of unity amidst diversity.
Mildred B. Zamar
Supervising Education Program Specialist
DepEd Bureau of Curriculum Development
Overall, the event was seen as insightful and productive, fostering a sense of camaraderie among participants while reaffirming their dedication to advancing literacy across the country.
In a historic moment during the 156th Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) Meeting held on February 15, 2024, the official welcoming of Dr. Milwida M. Guevara marked a significant milestone for the Council. Dr. Guevara, President and Chief Executive Officer of Synergeia Foundation, was confirmed as the new member of the LCC representing the network of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs). The confirmation came through a Council Resolution highlighting LCC’s commitment to fostering collaboration and inclusivity in the pursuit of literacy development.
Presided over by the Chairperson of the LCC and Secretary of the Department of Education, Vice President Secretary Sara Z. Duterte, the meeting brought together the heads and representatives of the different Council member agencies, including key figures and experts in the field of literacy to deliberate on strategies and initiatives for advancing the nation’s literacy goals.
Dr. Guevara’s addition to the LCC is particularly noteworthy due to her extensive experience and dedication to literacy initiatives. As a representative of and dedication to literacy initiatives. As a representative of the Synergeia Foundation, an organization recognized for its commitment to education and community development, Dr. Guevara brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to the Council.
Dr. Guevara’s addition to the LCC is particularly noteworthy due to her extensive experience and dedication to literacy initiatives. As a representative of the Synergeia Foundation, an organization recognized for its commitment to education and community development, Dr. Guevara brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to the Council.
Hon. Sara Z. Duterte
Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines
Secretary of the Department of Education
One of the key responsibilities entrusted to Dr. Guevara as a council member is to develop linkages with Local Government Units (LGUs) for community-based literacy development programs. This role underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between the government and non-governmental entities in addressing literacy challenges at the grassroots level. Dr. Guevara’s expertise in forging partnerships and her deep understanding of dynamics in governance and financing will undoubtedly contribute to the success of these programs.
Additionally, Dr. Guevara is expected to provide the LCC with valuable insights from the civil society perspective. This role acknowledges the critical role that NGOs play in implementing literacy initiatives and ensures that the Council benefits from a diverse range of perspectives in its decision-making processes. Dr. Guevara’s presence is a testament to the LCC’s commitment to inclusivity and holistic approaches to literacy development.
Vice President and DepEd Secretary Hon. Sara Z. Durete together with the LCC, LCC Secretariat and other Representatives from other Agencies
As the nation faces evolving challenges in providing quality education, having a representative with Dr. Guevara’s background is crucial for steering the LCC towards effective and relevant policies and programs. The collaborative efforts of the LCC, bolstered by the expertise of its newest member, promise to create lasting impacts on literacy development in the Philippines.
During the said meeting, the Council also recognized the significant contributions of Prof. Flora C. Arellano of E-Net Philippines, the outgoing Council member, who dedicated over three years of service to the LCC.
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.
Sa ika-154 na pagpupulong ng Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC), idiniin ng Philippine Information Agency (PIA) ang kahalagahan ng pagpapaigting ng adbokasiya ng literacy sa bansa. Inilatag ni Director General Jose A. Torres, Jr. ang mga hakbangin ng PIA upang tiyakin na maisasagawa ang mga natukoy na plano ng LCC sa pagpapalaganap ng kamalayan ng mga mamamayan tungkol sa kahalagahan ng pagpapaunlad ng literacy. Binanggit ni DG Torres sa kaniyang presentasyon ang mga naisakatuparan ng kanilang ahensya kabilang na ang papel na ginampanan nito sa pagbuo ng LCC Communication Plan, social media cards, video at radio commercials, kasama na ang media guesting ng LCC Secretariat sa mga Regional Kapihan ng PIA at sa iba pang partner media networks. Kasama rin sa kaniyang ibinahagi ang mga inisyatibong isasakatuparan pa ng PIA sa hinaharap. “Katuwang ang PIA sa pagsusulong ng adbokasiya ng LCC na Literacy for All,” pahayag ni DG Torres.
Ang mga nagsidalo sa 154th LCC Meeting
Ibinabahagi ni DG Torres ang mga inisyatibo ng PIA sa pagpapaigting ng adbokasiya sa literacy
Ang ika-154 na pagpupulong ng konseho ay pinangunahan ni Vice President at Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sara Z. Duterte, Chairperson din ng LCC. Ito ay ginanap noong Agosto 3, 2023 sa pamamagitan ng Zoom video conference. Kabilang sa mga dumalo sa nasabing pulong ay ang mga miyembro at kinatawan ng LCC na sina Congressman Roman T. Romulo ng House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Culture, Dr. Bert J. Tuga ng Philippine Normal University (PNU), Prof. Flora C. Arellano ng E-Net Philippines, Director-General Jose A. Torres, Jr. ng Philippine Information Agency (PIA), at Director Girlie Grace J. Casimiro-Igtiben ng National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Kasama ring nakilahok sa miting na ito sina Assistant Secretary (ASec) Sunshine Charry A. Fajarda at ASec G.H. S. Ambat ng DepEd, Assistant National Statistician Adrian A. Cerezo ng Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), at iba pang panauhin na katuwang ng LCC.
Si Vice President at DepEd Secretary Sara Z. Duterte habang pinangangasiwaan ang 154th LCC Meeting
Kabilang din sa mga natalakay sa naturang meeting ang pagrerepaso ng Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) ng PSA, pagbuo ng Literacy Journal katulong ang PNU, nominasyon para sa magiging bagong NGO member ng LCC, at iba pang mahahalagang paksa.
In the pursuit of organizational success, careful planning and regular assessment play a pivotal role in driving progress and achieving goals. Recognizing this fundamental principle, the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) recently organized a Midyear Performance Review, which took place from June 13-16, 2023, at the National Educators Academy of the Philippines in General Santos City. The event aimed to evaluate the Council’s performance during the first half of the year, realign the implementation plan for 2023, and foster discussions on accomplishments and future directions. Representatives from various member agencies actively participated in the workshop, with activities facilitated by the LCC Secretariat and esteemed resource persons.
During the Midyear Performance Review, the LCC focused on evaluating its progress and fine-tuning strategies to ensure the eradication of illiteracy at the grassroots level. The Council aimed to leverage the collective efforts and expertise of its member agencies to develop effective programs and initiatives that address the literacy challenges faced by communities across the nation.
Throughout the workshop, the Council conducted comprehensive assessments of its performance, highlighting achievements, identifying areas for improvement, and addressing potential obstacles. By recalibrating the implementation plan for 2023, the LCC strives to optimize its resources and further enhance its impact on literacy promotion.
The workshop provided an invaluable platform for in-depth discussions among Council representatives, enabling them to share experiences, exchange knowledge, and explore innovative approaches to address illiteracy effectively. With the guidance of the LCC Secretariat and resource persons, participants engaged in constructive dialogue to forge a collective path forward.
The Literacy Coordinating Council remains committed to its mission of eradicating illiteracy. To learn more about the Council’s ongoing initiatives, accomplishments, and future plans, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the LCC website at [https://lcc.deped.gov.ph]. Additionally, the Council invites literacy advocates, supporters, and partners to engage with them on their Facebook page [@LiteracyCoordinatingCouncil]. For further inquiries, the LCC Secretariat can be reached via email at lcc@deped.gov.ph, where they are ready to provide information and support related to literacy promotion efforts.
By fostering collaboration, strategic planning, and continuous assessment, the LCC aims to create a future where every Filipino has access to quality education and the ability to thrive through the power of literacy. Together, let us join hands in building a more literate and empowered nation.
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.
The Bureau of Human Resource and Organizational Development, through Human Resource Development Division (BHROD-HRDD) called for participants from the Central Office holding permanent positions to participate in the Batch 3 of 2021 Online Learning Program for Public Service Excellence: “Working Effectively in the New Normal.” The onboarding session was held on February 11, 2022 via Microsoft Teams. This initiative was made by BHROD headed by Atty. Anne Rachel C. Miguel, Director IV. The objective of the session is to orient the participants on the rationale, activity design and arrangements of the program.
Ms. Cecille A. Anyayahan, Project Development Officer V of BHROD-HRDD, graced the program and welcomed all participants from different bureaus and offices of DepEd. Ms. Anyayahan underscored that e-learning saves time and resources; leads to better retention; provides standardized learning; scalable; and offers personalization. She encouraged everyone to maximize the advantages of e-learning by levelling up their attitude and challenging themselves; disciplining themselves by being mindful of their time and preparation will also be useful. Participants who will complete the online learning course shall receive a certificate of completion.
This program is a self-directed offering, using online platform and content, aimed at helping LCCS and other DepEd personnel navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the new normal, preparing them to stay ahead of change, and become effective public servants during and in the post-pandemic period.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) concluded its series of webinars through a discussion on teaching, learning, and assessing 21st century skills in Thailand, which was held on October 8, 2021 via Zoom teleconference and broadcasted live via OECD Education and Skills Facebook page.
OECD Senior Analyst Stephan Vincent Lancrin discussed the main objective of their program, which is to bring projects and programs into scale, and eventually manage to change curriculum and practices at the system level, citing Thailand as an example.
Thailand Minister of Education Treenuch Thienthong delivered her welcome message, expressing her appreciation to OECD for inviting them to speak in their webinar. She highlighted the importance of not only learning from global perspective but also local experiences. Minister Thienthong mentioned a very challenging journey of Thailand due to COVID-19 with only limited natural resources.
Advisor on Competency-based Curriculum Dr. Sirikorn Maneerin discussed the timeline of how Thailand transformed into competency-based education in 2019. She mentioned Thailand’s efforts on National Education Reform plan. Dr. Maneerin recalled the strong demand of education reform in Thailand seven years ago, wherein important sets of education reform committee have been set up in the country. She also shared the six core competencies being implemented in Thailand curriculum—self-management, higher order thinking, communication, teamwork collaboration, civic literacy, and sustainable coexistence with nature and science.
Thailand Research Fund founding director Professor Vicharn Panich emphasized the significance of systemic research as it plays a vital role in the success of education. He also mentioned the Equitable Education Fund (EEF) in Thailand and its very strong information system, which works in many ways. Prof. Panich also added the important pilot projects on education system reforms supported by Thailand’s EEF.
Equitable Education Fund Deputy Managing Director Dr. Kraiyos Patrawart highlighted the importance of having strong evidence, knowledge-based reforms, as well as participation on international networking such as OECD. He also shared Thailand’s new approach to education system reform with multi-levels reform mechanisms. Dr. Patrawart shared Thailand’s national and area-based approach on education reforms, including partnerships with various Civil Society Organizations.
OECD Director for Education and Skills Andreas Schleicher discussed competence-based examples and how they differ per country. He also mentioned the challenges that may be encountered in piloting education reforms in various OECD countries.
The LCC Secretariat wishes to express its gratitude to OECD for engaging us on its series of webinars on education issues, systems, and reforms across the world. It inspired us more to explore and draw lessons from other countries and how they have moved from idea to implementation in fostering and assessing creativity and critical thinking, which may be applied in the education system in the Philippines.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) organized another webinar discussion on whether socio-economically advantaged students were better equipped to deal with learning during COVID. It was held on October 4, 2021 via Zoom teleconference and broadcasted live via OECD Education and Skills Facebook page.
OECD Director for Education and Skills Andreas Schleicher discussed how the pandemic took a massive toll on education, explaining the rate of lost instruction days and the quality of learning outcomes around the world. Schleicher also showed the distance learning solutions schools have offered during 2020-2021, citing online meeting platforms as the main medium of learning.
Schleicher highlighted the countries’ efforts in ensuring the effectiveness of distance learning wherein providing subsidized devices, as well as providing flexible and self-paced platforms became their top priority. Some countries have also improved access to infrastructure for learners and remote areas, as well as supporting learners with disabilities. Other countries have encouraged interactions between teachers and their students and/or parents during school closures in 2020.
He also discussed students’ self-efficacy, learning goals and motivation, wherein more than 80% of students showed self-efficiency in attaining their learning goals. Schleicher shared a survey on students’ readiness to learn and reading performance.
OECD Paris Senior Analyst Miyako Ikeda explained the importance of trying and finding a way to overcome challenges instead of fearing failure which is applicable not just for children but for all ages.
During the open forum, Schleicher was asked about motivational methods in learning during the pandemic, where he emphasized that technology can make learning more engaging for students. He also explained some factors why technology is helpful in making learning more interactive.
Schleicher highlighted that technology will become better than humans at delivering quality education as we live now in the modern period and people are slowly adapting to new technologies.
The LCC Secretariat expresses its appreciation to the OECD organizers for engaging us in another thorough discussion tackling the issue of education. It helped us become more socially aware on how to prepare students despite the hardships of learning during the COVID-19 crisis.
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service Director IV Ronilda Co discussing the significance of Psychological First Aid (PFA) trainers in each office
The Department of Education, through the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS), organized a three-day Psychological First Aid (PFA) Training for its Central Office employees from September 8-10, 2021 via Zoom.
DRRMS Director IV Ronilda Co discussed the significance of this training to all personnel and emphasized the need to provide a PFA trainer and support in each office. Training facilitators from various regions in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao joined the webinar for the three-day event.
DRRMS Project Development Officer IV Mr. Orlando Barachina thoroughly explained the legal bases and mandate of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management as well as its basic terminologies. He also shared the vulnerability of the Philippines in terms of hazards.
Meanwhile, Professor Yeng Gatchalian, RPsy served as the first resource speaker wherein she highlighted the importance of giving remote PFA to colleagues and friends during the COVID-19 pandemic. She urged everyone to put his or her heart on the training and provided insightful messages that would help training participants to further broaden their knowledge not only on PFA, but to the whole mental aspect. One of the highlights of Prof. Gatchalian’s presentation was her discussion on the three Action Principles: Look, Listen, and Link wherein she encouraged everyone to understand the person’s situation, perceived dangers and needs. She also added that listening attentively is important when talking to a person. Prof. Yang emphasized the need to enhance sense of control, support good personal choices, and encourage seeking support. For the second core action Listen, Prof. Yang reiterated that empathy is way different from sympathy and that people can show their warmth through showing attention, affirmation, and by using a calm tone. As per the third core action, Link, Prof. Gatchalian, reminded to always ask if further help is needed and to always check on the person.
Participants engaging during the open forum and expressing their issues, concerns, and hesitations to Prof. Yeng Gatchalian
On Day 2 of the PFA training, the participants listened again to Prof. Gatchalian’s topic entitled “On Grief and Loss.” Her talk dealt with the encompassing meaning and varied manifestations of grief to people. She explained that grief is not limited to death but a reaction to any form of loss, including jobs, loved ones, etc. She reminded everyone that all feelings are valid, including grief. Everyone is entitled to emotions; however, it is the behaviors that entail with it that must be carefully observed. She elaborated as well that grief may be coped with not but stopping it but by letting oneself go through with it. Other topics she covered were the three models of grief, type of griefs, difference of grief and depression, and grief counselling.
Prof. Gatchalian explaining Grief Counselling to the participants and how it is commonly done
Afterwards, she proceeded on the “self-care.” She shared practical ways on how one can take care of his/her overall well-being especially as PFA providers. She introduced the ARMS method which stands for Aware, Recognize, Manage and “Salamat.” She encouraged everyone to be aware of or reset his/her baseline, if applicable, and establish awareness of stressors. Next, start recognizing the difficulties and accept that it is okay to have a trial and error. Once done with these, it is the time to manage behaviors and routines and take time to recharge and switch off from work from time to time. Lastly, she urged everyone not to forget saying “salamat” and appreciating even the most little things in life.
Aside from the informative and enlightening discussions facilitated by Prof. Gatchalian, other activities held on the second day of the training were the role-playing of PFA providers led by the national PFA trainers, and the monitoring and evaluation tool being used by the DRRMS relative to the conduct and completion of PFAs in DepEd, covered Ms. Amina Aisa Boncales of DRRMS.
The participants going through the PFA Simulation during the second day of the three-day training spearheaded by the DRRMS
Ms. Amina Aisa Boncales of DRMMS walking through the participants on how to accomplish the Monitoring and Evaluation Tool used for the conduct and completion of PFA in DepEd
On the last day of the training, the participants went through an Art-based Kumustahan Session spearheaded by MAGIS, an invited group of psychologists and facilitators who carried out different activities focusing on grief and loss. On this session, the participants were able to experience different ways of relaxing one’s self, express their thoughts and emotions involved in grief and loss through the Mask Making Activity and share themselves and support one another through the break-out session. During the debriefing, the participants were reminded that all emotions are valid and must be acknowledged. Grief may linger for the longest time but it can also co-exist with love, strength, joy, beauty and gratitude along the way.
The participants working on their masks during the third day of the event
The participants sharing their artworks and expressing their thoughts and emotions during the break-out session
The 3-day training was concluded with the reading of the poem entitled “today, perhaps” by Therese Jose and Dr. Co assuring all participants that relative trainings and kumustahan sessions are in place to ensure the overall well-being of the employees are prioritized.
The reading of the “today, perhaps” to conclude the session for grief and loss