Calling all winners of the LCC Hall of Fame Awards, and all first-place winners in the National Literacy Awards (NLA)!
Following the successful production of LCC’s first-ever Coffee Table Book (CTB) entitled “Passion for Literacy” in 2019, the Council is coming up with its second volume this year. The Volume 2 of the LCC CTB shall highlight the best practices and success stories on literacy of the LCC Hall of Fame and NLA awardees.
Please submit your entries to the LCC Secretariat through email address: lcc@deped.gov.ph on or before September 15, 2020 with the subject LCCCTB2_Region No.
Please see DepEd Memo number 129 dated July 8, 2020 for more details.
Make sure to check the LCC website at https://lcc.deped.gov.ph for further updates.
The Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) members approved the release of its official statement amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic and beyond
VIA MICROSOFT TEAMS, July 20, 2020 – The Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) members approved the release of LCC’s official statement in support of DepEd’s efforts on literacy and basic education continuity during the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic and beyond.
Due to the spread of COVID-19, the literacy of school children and out-of-school youth and adults in the country is feared to be greatly affected because of the limited face-to-face teaching and learning interactions, along with other relevant issues and challenges. In spite of this, it geared the whole country toward various alternative learning delivery modalities which aim to enable every learner to have a continued and sustained literacy even in the times of crisis.
On July 20, 2020, the Council members convened during its 142nd LCC Meeting via Microsoft Teams. As agreed upon, the Council shall release an Official Statement to support DepEd in its efforts on literacy and basic education continuity amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. The said official issuance is necessary for strengthening literacy initiatives down to the grassroots levels of the society especially during these trying and difficult times. It also urges the commitment, active support, and cooperation of all education stakeholders.
In connection with this, the LCC expresses its full support of DepEd’s undertakings and directions provided in the Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan, Sulong EduKalidad and the adoption of other alternative learning delivery modes amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, through the issuance of the LCC Statement. The Council aspires to maximize the literacy interventions at the local communities, and amplify the participation of various literacy champions, including the external partners in and out of the country.
As part of our commitment to deliver quality service to our literacy clients, we are pleased to inform you that the LCC has a new website address at: https://www.lcc.deped.gov.ph.
For more information, kindly visit the new LCC website or you may also reach out to the LCC Secretariat via our Facebook Page at Literacy Coordinating Council and/or email address at lcc@deped.gov.ph.
Special thanks to DepEd ICTS for hosting our website via DepEd domain and making it more secure.
The second virtual Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) Meeting via Microsoft Teams was held on July 20, 2020. Discussions for approval or deliberation included are the Minutes and Status of Agreements of the 141st Council Meeting; updates on the House Bill on the Revised LCC Law; LCC’s Statement of Support to DepEd on Its Efforts on Literacy and Basic Education Continuity Amidst the Pandemic; and the Proposal to Create an Alternative Learning System (ALS) Council.
Comments and recommendations for further amendments on the Bill on the revised LCC Law from Council Member Agencies were consolidated and inputted accordingly, from the existing provisions as approved during the 141st Council Meeting to the revised provisions as of 20 July 2020. Also, the proposal to issue an official statement from the Council in support of DepEd’s efforts on literacy and basic education continuity during this pandemic and beyond was also deliberated on, and will be very soon released to public. The videoconference was concluded by a discussion on a proposal to create an ALS Council.
LCC Chairperson Diosdado M. San Antonio, DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction, presided over the 142nd LCC Meeting attended by Council Members and Representatives Director Anna Liza F. Bonagua and Mr. Zaldy I. Masangkay of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG); Mr. Adnan P. Ahmad of the Philippine Senate; Mr. Nemesio O. Malatamban III of the House of Representatives; Director Mryna Clara B. Asuncion and Ms. Susan M. Carandang of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA); Dr. Bert J. Tuga of the Philippine Normal University (PNU); Prof. Flora C. Arellano and Ms. May R. Cinco of the Education Network (E-Net) Philippines; and Ms. Melinda T. Quiñones of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
The teleconference held last July 3, 2020 was formally commenced by Dr. Diosdado M. San Antonio, Undersecretary of Curriculum and Instruction, LCC Chairperson by delivering his welcome remarks and acknowledging the presence of ASec. Alma Ruby C. Torio, all participants from DepEd CI bureau directors/heads of offices, regional directors and schools division superintendents. Usec. San Antonio reiterated that DepEd will focus on blended distance learning delivery modalities since a face-to-face interaction is not feasible in this time of pandemic. He underscored that DepEd will harness all available resources in implementing online delivery modalities to provide learning resources to its learners. He ended his message by saying to ensure the safety standards and protocols set by the IATF are strictly observed by the facilitators and learners.
The Global Book Alliance (GBA) hosted a webinar on the use of interactive radio and audio instructional resources called “Mobilizing Audio for Learning During and After COVID-19” last 25 June 2020 at 08:00 AM in Eastern Time (US and Canada), via RingCentral Meetings.
Ms. Rebecca Rhodes, Team Lead of USAID Reading and Literacy, introduced the panel of experts from Global Digital Library, Education Development Center (EDC), and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Malawi. Mr. Christer Gundersen of Global Digital Library discussed about GDL Radio as a GBA flagship initiative, which is being funded and managed by Norway. It is a collection of Interactive Radio Instruction (IRI) and Interactive Audio Instruction (IAI) resources that can be accessed by the following countries: Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Haiti, Honduras, Indonesia, Kenya G-Youth, Liberia, Malaki Tikwere!, Pakistan, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zanzibar.
Discussions on Mobilizing Audio for Learning were presented by Dr. Rachel Christina, Director of International Basic Education under EDC; Dr. Simon Richmond, Team Leader of ICT in Education under EDC; and Ms. Dorothy Matiti of USAID Malawi. Ms. Matiti introduced Interactive Audio Instruction delivery options which can be done through radio (IRI), mp3 or CD, and mobile phone. Comparative advantages on these three (3) options were identified based on their accessibility, flexibility, and need for electricity. Among the IAI Challenges include capacity development, production costs and quality, user support, technology, among others. Meanwhile, Dr. Richmond focused on the Practical Advice for Audio Repurposing by preparing parents and their homes, adapting content, materials distribution, and messaging.
The online session featured wide range of USAID-funded audio teaching and learning resources accessible to Global Digital Library’s (GDL) missions and partner governments. Insights and recommendations on audio utilization to support learning amidst COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen education system resilience were also provided. Education representatives and audio learning experts across the globe, who participated in the said webinar, gained knowledge on the power of audio as an education system enhancement, utilizing available resources, and ensuring the quality of repurposed existing resources and new materials development through Panel Discussion with experts.
The third virtual Technical Working Group (TWG)
Meeting on the LCC’s Compilation of Local Government Units (LGUs) and
Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) with Best Practices on Literacy was held on
June 24, 2020 at 9:00 AM via Microsoft Teams. The Literacy Coordinating Council
Secretariat (LCCS), together with the TWG and Council Representatives, mainly discussed
the objectives, criteria and requirements on the submission of entries
regarding the Literacy Programs of selected LGUs and NGOs to be compiled and
included in the second LCC Coffee Table Book. Technical specifications for the printing
of the said book, as well as the proposed agenda for the 142nd LCC Meeting were
also raised during the videoconference. Another topic taken up was the drafting
of the Council’s Official Statement about their initiatives on Basic Education
and Literacy amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The virtual meeting was participated in by Dr.
Heidi B. Macahilig of the Philippine Normal University (PNU); Ms. Susan M.
Carandang of National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA); Mr. Zaldy I.
Masangkay of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG); Mr.
Nemesio O. Malatamban III of the House of Representatives; Ms. May R. Cinco of
the Education Network (E-Net) Philippines; Ms. Aurea Jean A. Abad, TWG Member;
and the LCC Secretariat head and staff.
Following the success of the first session of the joint UNESCO-UNICEF-the World Bank webinar series on Framework for Reopening Schools, Learning in the COVID-19 Era, the second and third sessions of the same event continued on June 11 and 13, both from 15:00-16:30 (Paris Time, GMT +2), respectively. The said endeavor is a part of the Global Education Coalition on COVID-19 efforts to support governments in strengthening distance learning and facilitating the reopening of schools.
The second session of the joint webinar series entitled “Safe School Operations” highlighted the current evidence, tools and practice on safe operations. The said webinar was formally commenced by welcoming the participants and introducing the speakers which was delivered by Mr. Robert Jenkins, Global Chief of Education, UNICEF. This was followed by the panelists’ presentations shared by Mr. Stefan Swartling Peterson, Global Chief of Health, UNICEF; Ms. Elyse Leonard, Safe Schools Advisor, Save the Children Norway; Mr. Matthias Lansard, Chief of Education, UNICEF Senegal; and Ms. Lisa Bender, Education in Emergencies, UNICEF. During the session, it was mentioned that school readiness is very important. Guidelines must be ensured that they are “easily translated to the ground” under the supervision of the program coordinators, school heads, and teachers, among others. It was also reiterated that it has always been an interagency effort. Everyone must participate in securing the safety of school and learners as utmost priority. Strategies such as practicing social distancing, providing adequate safety and health essential supplies to the teachers and learners, splitting the learners into smaller groups, intensifying deployment of distance learning programs, and extending the academic year were also emphasized to the participants during the webinar. The activity was concluded with an open forum wherein the panelists enthusiastically answered each query raised.
After the two sessions of the joint webinar series, the third meeting was held that focused on “Well-being & Protection.” On this activity, the discussion delved on how partners address concerns related to children’s holistic well-being through mental health/psychosocial support, school health, school feeding and child protection. The said undertaking was formally opened by Mr. Jenkins by greeting the participants and providing the purpose and overview of the activity. Afterwards, Dr. Ashley Nemiro, Save the Children; Mr. Andres Felices Sanchez, Chief of Education, UNICEF Venezuela; Mr. Chris Castle, Chief of Section for Health and Education, UNESCO; and Ms. Carmen Burbano, Director of School Feeding Division, World Food Program talked about their respective presentations to the group. It was underscored during the session that it is important to support the students’ well-being and continue learning during COVID-19 school closures by reaching out to them and their caregivers, discussing home learning with them, and connecting them to key services. The social and psychological models that surround the children such as teachers, parents and caregivers must also be highly observed and educated in giving proper support during the time of crisis. Another effective strategy shared with the participants was the principle of coordination and complementarity. It was mentioned that vertical approach means building on strategies at the global and regional levels, and contextualizing the approach at the national and local levels; while the horizontal approach means working with the Ministry of Education and other education clusters, standardizing the tools that are used, coordinating with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and partners to modify the modalities of intervention, and adapting to the situation of the pandemic and its confinement. The session ended with the panelists responding to the participants’ questions during the open forum.
The remaining sessions of the webinar series are expected to happen on the 24th and 29th of June. Each webinar session is mostly attended by focal persons worldwide from the Academe, CSOs, health and safety sector, economic institutions, and research institutions, among others. The LCCS staff has successfully attended the first three webinars of the event through the Zoom platform. By joining such convergence helps the LCC in coming up with policies and guidelines relative to sustained literacy in the country by recognizing and anchoring each intervention to the diverse community needs.
As part of the Global Education Coalition on COVID-19
efforts to support governments in strengthening distance learning and
facilitating the reopening of schools, the UNESCO, together with the UNICEF and
the World Bank, launched their first joint webinar series on Framework for
Reopening Schools, Learning in the COVID-19 Era on Monday, June 8, 2020 from 15:00-16:30
(Paris Time, GMT+2). Along with the LCC Secretariat staff, other focal persons
worldwide from various sectors such as the academe, government, and research
institutions, among others participated in the said event via Zoom platform. It
was moderated by Mr. Hugues Moussy, Head of the Research and Development Team
of UNESCO- International Institute for Education Planning (IEEP), the key
points of each resource person’s topic were shared through a panel discussion.
The panelists for the said activity were: Mr. Gwang-Chol Chang, Chief of
Section of Education Policy of UNESCO; Ms. Jane Courtney, Education Specialist
of UNICEF Jordan; Ms. Tara Beteille, Senior Economist and Thematic Lead on
Teachers for the Education Global Practice, the World Bank; Ms. Rukmini
Banerji, CEO of Pratham; and Mr. David Steiner, Executive Director of Johns
Hopkins Institute for Education Policy. The said webinar was formally commenced
through a welcoming remarks by Ms. Suzanne Grant Lewis, Director of the
UNESCO-IEEP, and delightfully closed by Mr. Hugues Moussy, respectively.
The topics highlighted during were the impact of COVID-19
school closures on learning; effects of learning in primary and secondary
education, especially on the marginalized sectors; maximized participation of
the parents and the community; and ways to manage an accelerated and/or
remedial learning programs. As reiterated, it is important to come up with
blended modalities to meet divergent learning needs and capacities of the
learners amidst crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Participating in such important webinars and meetings allows the LCCS to be updated with the status quo of literacy across the world, and be provided with insights and implementations on improved, dynamic and relevant literacy interventions for all types of learners.
The topics highlighted were the impact of COVID-19 school closures on learning; effects of learning in primary and secondary education, especially on the marginalized sectors; maximized participation of the parents and the community; and ways to manage an accelerated and/or remedial learning programs. As reiterated, it is important to come up with blended modalities to meet divergent learning needs and capacities of the learners amidst crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Participating in such important webinars and meetings allows the LCCS to be updated with the current status of literacy across the world, and be provided with insights and implementations on improved, dynamic and relevant literacy interventions for all types of learners.
Participating in such important webinars and meetings allows the LCCS to be updated with the status quo of literacy across the world, and be provided with insights and implementations on improved, dynamic and relevant literacy interventions for all types of learners.
The Literacy Coordinating Council Secretariat (LCCS), headed by Mr. Enrico Mendoza, participated in the Orientation on the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs) and Learning Delivery Modalities (LDMs) for the Curriculum and Instruction (CI) Strand via Zoom Virtual Meeting on June 8, 2020.
LCC Chairperson Diosdado M. San Antonio, DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction, commenced that the Schools Division Offices (SDOs) should be conceptualized to address their needs on the efficient monitoring and effective implementation of learning delivery modalities in this time of crisis. He also expressed his warm gratitude to Assistant Secretary Alma Ruby C. Torio, as well as all the bureaus and divisions under the CI Strand, for their conjoined efforts and support toward the delivery of quality education in the country, especially during this pandemic.
BCD Director Jocelyn DR Andaya presented the K to 12 MELCs: Responding to the Needs of the New Normal, including the COVID-19 challenges in education and DepEd’s response through the Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP). On the other hand, BLD Director Leila Areola discussed the Learning Modalities in the New Normal, focusing on the Face-to-Face, Distance Learning, Blended Learning, and Homeschooling program. She also laid down the Plan of Actions, and Basic Considerations (Access, Readiness, Conditions/Situations, and Availability of Resources) in addressing the challenge in the Philippine Education System. She also elaborated the utilization of ICT systems (e.g. Learning Resource Portal and DepEd Commons) and other available media, including the television and radio, as alternative delivery modes of learning. The Learning Resource (LR) Portal is the official learning resources repository management of the department; while the DepEd Commons is the official online delivery platform to support blended learning modalities.
Discussions on these competencies and learning delivery modalities for the “new normal in education” were also participated in by DepEd CI Strand bureau directors and office heads, namely Bureau of Curriculum Development (BCD) Dir. Jocelyn DR Andaya; Bureau of Learning Delivery (BLD) Dir. Leila Areola; Bureau of Education Assessment (BEA) Dir. Nelia Benito; Bureau of Learning Resources (BLR) Dir. Edel Carag; Teacher Education Council (TEC) Secretariat Dir. Runvi Manguerra; the Indigenous Peoples Education Office (IPsEO) head Ms. Lourie Victor, and LCCS Chief Mr. Enrico R. Mendoza. Dir. John Arnold Siena from the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP) also attended the webinar.
