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On January 15, 2020, a Second (2nd) Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting on Senate Bill No. 740 – Alternative Learning System was conducted at the Philippine Senate, chaired by Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian. This was participated in by DepED Assistant Secretary G.H. S. Ambat, Literacy Coordinating Council Secretariat (LCCS), Education Network (E-Net) Philippines and other education stakeholders. The group was convened to further discuss the comments, issues and proposed revisions on the said Bill.

 

 

The Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) spearheaded the conduct of the Consultative Workshop on the Localization of LCC on December 10-13, 2019 held at the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP) Regional Office XII, General Santos City. This convergence was initiated to review the status of LGU implementation of DILG Memorandum Circular 2007-155 issued on November 26, 2007 on the creation or strengthening of Local LCCs. Moreover, this initiative is a follow through of the agreements made during the last Midyear Performance Assessment on the review of LCC Localization Guidelines for possible policy development recommendation. Regarding this, the activity aimed to a) share good practices on the creation and strengthening of local LCCs; b) identify strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and results of local LCCs; and c) develop draft policy recommendations on the localization of LCC.

Dr. Allan G. Farnazo, Regional Director of DepEd Region XII, noted during his welcome message the importance of proper calamity response to reduce casualties and the need to disseminate information on disaster preparedness. Assistant Secretary for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Alma Ruby C. Torio shared in her remarks the Philippines’ low status on the world’s basic education standards, particularly on the students’ poor comprehension levels. According to Asec. Torio, “our students cannot extrapolate what they have read”, saying that they can read but they cannot relate. She also presented the Curriculum and Instruction strand’s program called KITE to bridge the gap between quantity and quality education. The K-12 Curriculum Review and Update; Improvement of Learning Environment; Teacher Upskilling and Reskilling; and, Engagement of Stakeholders for Support and Collaboration are the quadrants of this program representing the pillars of Sulong EduKalidad which will respond to the rapidly-changing education landscape.

Selected Local Government Unit (LGU) representatives based on the National Literacy Awards (NLA) categories, shared their experiences onlocalization of LCCs and presented the profiles of their represented LGUs.Mr. Rosalito B. Libres of LGU Butuan City representedHighly Urbanized City; Mr. Sedfrey A. Dela Cruz of LGU Santiago City representedComponent/ Independent Component City; while Mr. Alexander C. Zambrano, Jr.of LGU San Francisco, Agusan del Sur represented 1^st to 3^rd Class Municipality.

Parallel workshop on the localization of LCC was also done to enable LGU representatives to share their existing LCC structure and functions; identify mechanisms needed, possible hindrances and their corresponding solutions in creating local LCC; and identify measures in sustaining local LCC.

Impressions on creating or strengthening localized LCC were also delivered by Mayor Johnny Rodulfo of LGU Bato, Catanduanes and Mr. Sedrey A. Dela Cruz of LGU Santiago City, Isabela. Ms. Susan M. Carandang, Supervising Economic Development Specialist of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), concluded the consultative workshop with a gratitude message and ways forward or actions to be done for the establishment or strengthening of local LCC.

This activity was carried out as a first step in establishing or strengthening local LCC as a function of the Council, pursuant to Section 9.7 of Republic Act 10122 stating that LCC shall have the power and function to “propose measures on how to organize and strengthen support structures for literacy at the regional, provincial, city, municipal, and barangay levels.”

 

 

LCC Chairperson Diosdado M. San Antonio, DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction, presided over the 140^th Council Meeting on December 18, 2019 held at Robbinsdale Residences, Quezon City which was participated in by the Council Members and Representatives. One of the agenda of the last LCC meeting for this year is the Accomplishments of the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) for the calendar year 2019 which were narrowed down into four (4) Key Result Areas (KRAs), including the Research and Policy Formulation; Advocacy, Social Mobilization and Networking; Knowledge Management; and Capacity Building. The meeting also featured discussions on the future programs and projects of the Council for the calendar year 2020, as well as proposals on the Resolution for the new NGO Representative. Other highlights include the amendments on the expansion of the LCC Law and the voting process for the nominees on the election of the new NGO Representative.

The Council members and representatives who were present during the meeting were Atty. Katerina S. Cadiente and Mr. Adnan P. Ahmad of Philippine Senate; Mr. Nemesio O. Malatamban III and Atty. Devi Katerina Martinez-Negre of House of Representatives; Director Anna Liza F. Bonagua, CESO III and Mr. Zaldy I. Masangkay of Department of the Interior and Local Government; Dr. Heidi B. Macahilig of Philippine Normal University; Ms. Susan M. Carandang of National Economic and Development Authority; Ms. Melinda T. Quiñones of Philippine Information Agency; and Prof. Flora C. Arellano and Mr. Addie T. Unsi of Education Network (E-Net) Philippines.

 

 

The Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) officially launched its first-ever LCC Coffee Table Book (CTB) on December 6, 2019 at Robbinsdale Residences, Quezon City, with a theme “LCC Treasury of Inspiring Stories: Passion for Literacy.” The book features fourteen (14) real-life success stories of Local Government Units (LGUs), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and DepEd Initiated Literacy Programs.

According to Dr. Melinda T. Quiñones during her welcome remarks, Coffee Table Book is an advocacy project of LCC aiming to contribute to the goal realization of universalizing literacy in the country through public awareness and to institutionalize literacy efforts of various implementers through appropriate recognition. The launch also encourages the development and replication of literacy programs promoting the welfare of indigenous communities.

Dr. Girlie E. Amarillo, member of CTB Validating Team, discussed the Selection Guidelines and Validation Process of the development of the LCC Coffee Table Book. Among the validation activities facilitated were the Call for Entries for Success Stories on Literacy; Workshop on the Evaluation and Selection of Entries; Validation Workshops; and Layout and Procurement for Printing and Delivery of the LCC Coffee Table Book. Entries were categorized as success stories of learners or beneficiaries of a literacy program, or success stories of literacy projects initiated by DepEd, LGU or NGO. The submitted entries were chosen based on criteria for evaluation, including theme relevance, intervention strategies, story inspiration and literacy impact. These entries were validated by the LCC Secretariat, Council Members, and other CTB Validators.

Out of forty-two (42) entries, only fourteen (14) were chosen. Three (3) of these chosen entries had the opportunity to share their validated success stories which was introduced by Ms. Aurea Jean A. Abad. Ms. Lea V. Faa of the City Schools Division of Manila, discussed DepEd’s project “ALS Eskwela sa Bawat Brigada Dala ay Pag-Asa.” This was followed by an inspirational story of “LAYAG Cuyo” shared by Mr. Ramil F. Ceralbo from Cuyo, Palawan. Finally, Ms. Catherine P. Alarzar of the Schools Division of Camarines Sur proudly presented their project called “Bangkarunungan: Yellow Boat of Hope (YBH) Now Sails in Caramoan Peninsula.”

The main highlight of the activity is the unveiling of LCC’s first-ever Coffee Table Book by present Council Members Dr. Heidi B. Macahilig of Philippine Normal University, Mr. Adnan P. Ahmad of Philippine Senate, Dr. Melinda T. Quiñones of Philippine Information Agency, and Mr. Zaldy I. Masangkay of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Plaques of Recognition were awarded to Winners to acknowledge their efforts. CTB Evaluators and Validators Mr. Girlie E. Amarillo; Ms. Aurea Jean A. Abad; Ms. Josephine Intino; Ms. Teresita D. Tetangco; Ms. Emma D. Gregorio; and Ms. Ehcel S. Hurna were also recognized. The CTB Launch was finally concluded by a message delivered by Mr. Enrico R. Mendoza, LCC Secretariat Chief, “May we all continue to ignite and share our Passion for Literacy!”

The master of ceremonies is Dr. Celia M. Ilanan of Philippine Normal University. A copy of the LCC CTB may soon be viewed and uploaded at the LCC website.

 

The Bureau of Education Assessment – Education Research Division (BEA-ERD) facilitated the conduct of the strategic Validation Workshop of the Roadmap towards Multi-literacy for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Learners (DHHLs) held on November 18-22, 2019 at the Puerto De San Juan Beach Resort Hotel, San Juan, La Union.

This activity aimed to provide equality and equity in Multi-Literacy Education for DHH learners through evidence-based approaches by aligning the internal and external partners’ Programs, Activities and Projects (PAPs) and finalizing these based on their strategic directions indicated in the long-term plan for Philippine Deaf Education. The Literacy Coordinating Council Secretariat, together with the other selected representatives from bureaus/offices of DepEd Central Office including the Bureau of Curriculum Development and Planning Service, provided highly technical inputs in polishing further the Roadmap document. Contingency planning and review of the priority needs formulation through strategic execution and identification of Key Result Areas and Key Performance Indicators were also performed under the three (3) thematic areas, which include Access, Quality and Governance.

Other participants include selected teachers and administrators of DepEd Regional and Schools Division offices, Philippine Federation for the Deaf, De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies, and the International Deaf Education Association Philippines. Ms. Thea Abigail Abines of the LCC Secretariat represented the Council in this activity.

 

 

The Department of Education (DepEd), through the Curriculum and Instruction strand, facilitated the conduct of the Consultative Forum on Curriculum and Instruction’s Issues and Concerns on November 25, 2019 at the Philippine International Convention Center as a venue to identify the current challenges and verify the recommended interventions addressing the need to provide quality education for all. Education leaders, including selected DepEd Central Office (CO) bureaus/ divisions, Regional (RO) and Schools Division (SDO) offices, in all regions of the country were gathered to discuss the strategies to shift from access to quality education.

Its main highlight is the launch and unveiling of the Seal of Commitment for the “Hamon: Bawat Bata Bumabasa (3Bs) Initiative” as a step to improve literacy competencies and skills of children for lifelong learning and as to bridge the gaps of learners’ reading comprehension based on the results of national assessments. As indicated in DepEd Memorandum Order No. 173, series of 2019, all offices at the CO, ROs, SDOs and school levels are highly encouraged to support the campaign of DepEd’s 3Bs initiatives by intensifying advocacy for reading and by pledging commitment to make every learner a reader at his/ her grade level. These offices should align their priorities towards the promotion of the culture of reading, considering the Conceptual Elements in implementing the program which are Oral Language, Phonological Awareness, Phonics, Vocabulary, Fluency and Comprehension.

According to the Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Diosdado M. San Antonio during his welcome remarks, “Ito ang pinakauna natin dapat gawin, kasi we can never pursue quality education if the kids do not know how to read. This is the basic tool for lifelong learning. We will never expect a Filipino or any human being to continue to learn without actually being equipped with the fundamental reading skill”.

The Literacy Coordinating Council Secretariat attended the said conference, presented its policy recommendations, and supports the campaign and advocacy of DepEd’s challenge to make every child able to read as an initial movement to globalize literacy and improve the quality of basic education in the country.

 

 

 

The Validation Workshop on the LCC Website Structure and Content was spearheaded by the Literacy Coordinating Council Secretariat (LCCS) on November 12-15, 2019 held at DepEd RO XI RELC-NEAP, Quirino Avenue, Davao City. Fulfilling the mandate to establish an information exchange and dissemination system to support literacy efforts at the national and local levels, the activity aimed to review and validate the current elements, face and features of the site; update the contents of the data resources of the website; develop new features based on the current trends and needs of the stakeholders; and integrate the National Literacy Information System (NLIS) with the current structure.

Participants from DepEd – Information and Communications Technology Service (ICTS), LCC Council Representatives from Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and Education Network (E-Net) Philippines, and the Technical Team provided inputs on the review and finalization of the NLIS Modules and enhancement of LCC web Home Page. The Technical Team consisting of Mr. Jezrel P. Macale, District ICT Coordinator from Oogong Elementary School, Santa Cruz, Laguna; Mr. Daryl Ausejo Peralta, District ICT Coordinator from Victoria Senior High School, Victoria, Laguna; and Mr. Numeriano Esteban, Freelance IT Assistant from Liliw, Laguna, together with Mr. Judel M. Tabano of DepEd-ICTS, painstakingly worked together to integrate the inputs of the finalized NLIS Modules into the LCC Website. The said system is slated to be finalized next year.

 

 

 

 

Pasay City. The Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture chaired by Senator Win Gatchalian conducted the second public hearing on Senate Bill No. 740 on 27 November 2019 at the Senate of the Philippines. Also present in this event were Committee members Senator Nancy S. Binay and Senator Ronald “Bato” M. Dela Rosa. During the hearing, DepED Assistant Secretary G. H. S. Ambat presented the Update, Roadmap, and Ways Forward for the Alternative Learning System. Among the invited resource persons were DepEd Director Marilette Almayda of the ALS Task Force; Prof. Flora Arellano of E-Net Philippines; Dr. Ephraim Pitogo of SULADS; and the LCC Secretariat Head, Mr. Enrico Mendoza. Senate Bill No. 740 is an Act Institutionalizing the Alternative Learning System in Education for Out-of-School Children, Youth and Adults, Persons with Disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, and other Marginalized Sectors of Society and Appropriating Funds Therefor. It is hoped that this bill will be passed by the Eighteenth Congress of the Republic of the Philippines.

 

 

The DepED Planning Service currently holds the 5-day workshop on the FY 2020 Post-Planning at Makati Palace Hotel and is expected to end on November 29, 2019. This activity is participated in by DepED CO Bureaus and Offices and Regional Offices. Usec. Jesus Lorenzo R. Mateo underscored in his presentation yesterday that we have to work closely to have a positive feedback on DepED programs. The status of FY 2018 Continuing Funds and FY 2019 Current Funds was also presented.

 

Once again, the research team continued its validation activities in Regions 11 and 12 for the development of the Analytic Rubric envisioned for the creation and monitoring and evaluation of exemplary community-based literacy programs across the country. On November 7, 2019, Dr . Merry Ruth M. Gutierrez and Dr. Leonora P. Varela headed to Davao while Dr. Maria Azela L. Tamayo and Dr. Boyet L. Batang went to General Santos cities simultaneously where the validation tool was distributed and discussed among literacy implementers and administrators from the DepEd and Local Government Units.

The last field validation of the research output validation is anticipated to happen in Region 8 in December.

 

Davao City, Region XI Research Output Validation

 

General Santos City, Region XII Research Output Validation