DepEd Assistant Secretary Janir Ty Datukan Graces the LCC’s Midyear Performance Review

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.

Contributed by: 

Rossan C. Ignacio

Technical Assistant II

LCC Welcomes Dr. Milwida Guevara, the New Member of the Literacy Coordinating Council Representing the Network of NGOs

LCC Welcomes Dr. Milwida Guevara, the New Member of the Literacy Coordinating Council Representing the Network of NGOs

Dr. Milwida M. Guevara

President and Chief Executive Synergeia Foundation

Image by Ateneo de Manila via www.ateneo.edu

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.

Screenshot 2024-03-06 180053

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.

Screenshot 2024-03-06 181253

Prof. Flora C. Arellano

Board Member of E-Net Philippines

Contributed by: 

Rossan C. Ignacio

Technical Assistant II

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.

Pagpapaigting ng Adbokasiya sa Literacy, Idiniin sa ika-154 na Meeting ng LCC

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.

LCC Holds Midyear Performance Review to Advance Literacy Efforts

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.

Ika-153 na Pagpupulong ng LCC, Pinangasiwaan ni VP Secretary Sara Z. Duterte

Sa pangunguna ni Vice President at Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sara Z. Duterte na siya ring Chairperson ng Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC), ginanap ang ika-153 na pagpupulong ng konseho noong Pebrero 2, 2023 sa pamamagitan ng Zoom video conference.

Bise Presidente ng Republika ng Pilipinas at Kalihim ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon,
Sara Z. Duterte habang namumuno sa pulong ng 153rd LCC Meeting

Kabilang sa mga tinalakay sa nasabing pagpupulong ang mga detalye na nagtatampok sa mga programa at gawaing ipatutupad ng LCC sa taong 2023, tulad ng mga update tungkol sa LCC localization, pagrerepaso ng Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey o FLEMMS, at iba pang mahahalagang paksa tungkol sa literasiya.

Kuha ni Vice President-Secretary Sara Z. Duterte habang pinangangasiwaan
ang miting ng Konseho

Ang nasabing pagpupulong ay dinaluhan ng mga miyembro at kinatawan ng LCC na sina Congressman Roman Romulo ng House of Representatives, Dr. Bert Tuga ng Philippine Normal University (PNU), Undersecretary Gina Gonong ng DepEd, Prof. Flora Arellano ng E-Net Philippines, Director Anna Liza Bonagua ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Assistant Director Edgardo Aranjuez ng National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Atty. Joseph Llames ng Philippine Information Agency (PIA), at Atty. Katryn Cadiente na kumatawan kay Senator Sherwin Gatchalian ng Senado. Kasamang nakibahagi sa miting na ito sina Assistant Secretary G.H. S. Ambat at Assistant Secretary Alma Ruby Torio ng DepEd Curriculum and Teaching strand, Assistant National Statistician Wilma Guillen ng Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), at iba pang mga panauhin mula sa ahensyang kasapi ng LCC.

Sa isang bahagi ng pulong, masayang ibinalita ni Representative Romulo ang may kaugnayan sa pagsasapinal ng panukalang batas sa pagtatatag ng National Literacy Council sa ikatlong pagbasa sa mababang kapulungan ng Kongreso sa pagitan ng Pebrero at Marso nitong taon. 

Kuha ni Congressman Roman Romulo habang nagbibigay ng kanyang komento
sa usapin ng FLEMMS

Samantala, idiniin naman ni Dr. Tuga ng PNU ang kahalagahan ng papel ng mga lokal na pamahalaan sa pagpapaigting ng literasiya ng mga pamilya, partikular na ang mga kabataan na nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan at kasalukuyang naninirahan sa mga relocation area. Bilang tugon, nangako ang pamunuan ng DILG na pagtutuunan nila ito ng pansin bilang kasapi ng resettlement government na handang magbigay ng serbisyo sa publiko.

Sinagot naman ni Assistant National Statistician Guillen ng PSA ang ilan sa mga katanungan sa pagrerepaso ng FLEMMS. Aniya, may mga hamon ang ahensya sa badyet para sa pagsasaliksik. Kasunod nito, nagpahayag ng suporta si Congressman Romulo katulong ang Senado upang matugunan ang pangangailangang ito.

Taos-pusong nagpapasalamat ang LCC Secretariat sa lahat ng nagpangyaring maging matagumpay ang pagpupulong na ito na ang layunin ay mapaunlad ang literasiya ng mga Pilipino.

Larawan ni Undersecretary Gina Gonong ng DepEd Curriculum and Teaching at iba pang miyembro at kinatawan ng LCC kasama ang PSA
Larawan ng mga miyembro at kinatawan ng LCC, DepEd Curriculum and Teaching, Philippine Statistics Authority at LCC Secretariat hango sa pagtatapos ng 153rd LCC Meeting

LCC Secretariat

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

2021 Online Learning Program for Public Service Excellence

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.

Czarina D. Abellonar

Project Development Officer III

LCCS Joins the Last Webinar of OECD’s Discussion on Education

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.

Jonnabel Escartin

LCCS Seizes Another Opportunity to Join OECD’s Webcast on Learning During COVID

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. 

Jonnabel D. Escartin