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Following the recommencement of the activities for the National Literacy Awards after its deferral last 2020 due to the threat caused by the pandemic, the Literacy Coordinating Council has proceeded with the validation of the literacy programs of the nominees for the Special Award of Excellence in Literacy (SAEL) category. The nomination for SAEL is given to local government units and non-government organizations that have been declared as NLA Hall of Fame Awardees after being three-time first placers of the regular search for the NLA. For this year’s NLA, the municipality of Cuyo, Palawan has been identified as one of the nominees alongside the City of Balanga, Bataan, and SULADS Philippines of Bukidnon.

With the objective to assess the sustainability of the implementation of the literacy programs of the Municipality of Cuyo, the team which consists of the members of the Board of Judges, namely, Ms. Aurea Jean A. Abad, Ms. Teresita D. Tetangco, and Ms. Ma. Cristina M. Gonzales, together with the LCC Secretariat personnel, Mr. Wilfredo A. Catangui and Ms. Marikka P. Mampusti, visited the municipality last July 5 to 12, 2022, and conducted in-person interviews and substantial dialogue with its local stakeholders.

Upon the validation’s team arrival on July 6, 2022, the municipality of Cuyo, Palawan has presented its literacy programs which will pave the way in realizing their practical vision that in 2030, Cuyo will be an ecotourism destination in Palawan, with God-fearing, resilient, culture-loving and empowered citizenry living in a peaceful and sustainable environment with diversified and progressive economy, efficient and safe infrastructure facilities and utilities governed by transparent and dynamic leaders. The municipality aims to actualize this vision through their flagship program, Kakampi, that stands for Kalusugan at Kultura, Agrikultura, Kontra Katiwalian, Aktibong Serbisyo, Malinis at Maayos na Kapaligiran, Programang Pang-Edukasyon at Pangkabuhayan, at Imprastraktura.

In the succeeding days, the validation team has gone around the municipality and visited schools, community learning centers, and barangays. This has allowed them to sit down with the stakeholders and assess the sustainability of the implementation of the literacy programs after they were hailed as a Hall of Famer in 2017. During the validation, the Board of Judges were able to take note of the strong areas of the municipality that make them worthy of being a SAEL aspirant. This includes the strong support of the local government unit in response to the needs of its education stakeholders, embracing digital transformation and managing learning through alternative learning modalities such as radio-based instruction, prioritization of building new infrastructures, the establishment of the Revitalized Agricultural Center that strengthens the engagement of residents in growing vegetables and fruit trees, and lastly, the provision of livelihood opportunities through projects purposefully made for Cuyonon islanders who reside in the coastal areas.

On the last day of the activity, the validators were able to share the observable good practices of the municipality as well their recommendations on how the local government unit can further improve the implementation of its literacy programs. The Literacy Coordinating Council treats this endeavor with high regard as it solidifies its vision to recognize the efforts and significant contributions of the LGUs in universalizing literacy in the country. It also warmly extends its gratitude to the DepEd Regional Office of the Local Government Unit of Cuyo, Palawan, DepEd Regional Office of MIMAROPA, the local stakeholders of Cuyo, Palawan, and other involved individuals who made the conduct of this activity successful.

Awarding of winners for the Special Award of Excellence in Literacy category and the regular search for the 2022 National Literacy Awards will be held in October this year. The LCC looks forward to the engagement of everyone involved in this endeavor as it fulfills its goal to bestow honor and recognition to outstanding LGUs and NGOs for their dedication, commitment, and contribution to the eradication of illiteracy in their respective communities.

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC), UNESCO, and DepEd International Cooperation Office (ICO) collaborate through Project iLearn with the aim of creating a school-based Media and Information Literacy (MIL) campaign for the Philippines, in response to our country’s commitment to the ASEAN Workplan for Education.

Two months after the last Project iLearn activity held in Tagaytay City, the DepEd ICO, in partnership with the LCC Secretariat, organized another writeshop last July 11-14, 2022 at EM Royalle Hotel and Beach Resort, San Juan, La Union, Philippines.

Dr. Jose Reuben Q. Alagaran, Staff Director for Planning and Communication Research and Officer-in-Charge of PIA-MIMAROPA also collaborated in the project by facilitating a relevant discussion on the importance of strengthening media and information literacy initiatives in the education sector. Meanwhile, Ms. Ann Lorraine Macadaeg, Information Officer III of PIA main office’s Policy and Communication Research Division facilitated a workshop and presented activities to be conducted as part of the school-based campaign on MIL. Furthermore, Dr. Ramon Tuazon from UNESCO comprehensively discussed the main thematic areas of MIL.

Education Program Specialists and representatives from various bureaus and services in the Department of Education Central Office converged once again with the intention to fulfill one of the commitments of the Philippines to the ASEAN Work Plan on Education 2021-2025 which is to organize media and information literacy campaign, promote peace education and moderation values and to combat fake news. Also present in the writeshop were select personnel and teachers from Region 1 and SDO La Union.

The writeshop aimed to identify the activities that will be conducted as part of the school-based campaign on MIL; form technical working groups in-charge of each component; determine a preliminary timeline covering the preparations and conduct for each activity; accomplish the brief proposals/concept notes articulating the background and objectives of each activity; and to identify, develop, and craft the title for the school-based MIL campaign.

The said 3-day event was a success as it filled each participant with further knowledge on the background of MIL as well as it commenced the start of the series of writeshops with the intention to develop and articulate the details of the Philippine’s campaign on MIL. With one of the goals of the LCCS which is to promote programs and strategies relevant to the universalization of literacy, it is important to continue to work hand in hand with the DepEd ICO and the PIA through the next series of activities with the directive of one day, successfully integrating media and information literacy to the cognizance of the Filipino learners.

In recognition of the Local Government Units’ (LGUs) best practices in literacy and nongovernment organizations’ (NGOs) best literacy programs, the Literacy Coordinating Council is finally conducting the 2022 National Literacy Awards (NLA) after being postponed in 2020 due to threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the categories included in the NLA this year is the Special Award of Excellence in Literacy (SAEL) which is awarded to Hall of Fame winners that have sustained their literacy programs for at least three years.

The City of Balanga won first place in the Outstanding Local Government under the Independent/Component City category in 2012, 2014, and 2016 and was inducted as a Hall of Fame winner in the 2017 National Literacy Conference, hence, its nomination to the Special Award of Excellence in Literacy.

As a nominee of SAEL, Balanga City has been subjected to an onsite validation from June 6-10, 2022. Members of the Board of Judges consist of Mr. Edicio G. Dela Torre, Chairperson of the Education for Life Foundation, also Chairman of the Board, Mr. Zaldy I. Masangkay, Division Chief of the DILG-BLGD, and Ms. Ma. Teresita M. Tetangco, consultant of the Municipality of Pulilan. They were joined by the LCC NLA coordinators Ms. Jonnabel D. Escartin and Ms. Ma. Teresita C. Manlolo. The validation started with a briefing about Balanga City and its literacy programs, participated by Mayor Francis Anthony S. Garcia, Schools Division Office of Balanga City through the leadership of Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Dr. Ronnie S. Mallari, the City Education and Excellence Development Office (CEEDO) personnel, and various division and program heads of the City of Balanga.

During the orientation, Balanga City Mayor Francis Anthony S. Garcia highlighted the city’s strategic vision of “SMART University Town by 2030,” which envisions producing 10,000 graduates by the year 2030. This commitment is institutionalized through ordinances, resolutions, and executive orders as well as the inclusion of various literacy programs and projects in the city’s annual budget.

Some of the notable best practices of the city include various sectors such as education, livelihood and employment, agriculture and environmental protection, as well as disaster risk reduction. The use of information and communication technology has also been an outstanding feature of Balanga City’s literacy programs.  The participation of youth and barangay officials is also significant in the implementation and success of the city’s barangay literacy programs.

Balanga City’s literacy programs have not only been sustained but have been expanded and adapted during the pandemic to address more urgent needs of their constituents. Their strong partnership with various NGOs and private corporations has also contributed to the sustainability of the city’s literacy programs.

Results of the onsite validation for the Special Award of Excellence in Literacy, including the regular search for Outstanding LGU and Outstanding Literacy Program categories are yet to be announced during the conduct of the 2022 NLA Awarding Ceremonies in October. Through the conduct of the National Literacy Awards, the Literacy Coordinating Council hopes to engage and motivate not only local government units but also individuals, organizations, and institutions to boost their literacy efforts through recognition of their best practices.

Jonnabel D. Escartin

Technical Assistant II

June 20, 2022 | The Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) enjoined the unveiling of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Information System (DRRMIS) held at 4^th Floor of the Crowne Plaza Hotel at Ortigas, Pasig City.

With this proceeding, the Department of Education (DepEd) through the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS), in cooperation with Save The Children Philippines and Prudence Foundation launched the DRRM Information System that featured three apps, namely: the RADaR App, the School Watching App, and the Comprehensive School Safety Monitoring App.

The very purpose of these apps is to ensure that students are kept in a safe learning environment and be prepared for any disasters or uncertainties that may arise around them.

As detailed in the presentation, the RADaR App is a web and mobile app designed to rapidly assess damages to a school after earthquakes, fires, typhoons, flash floods or other natural hazards. The application allows its users to report and identify areas that need assistance and estimate damages in affected areas.

The School Watching App (or SWApp), meanwhile, is both a desktop and mobile app that aims to promote school safety by actively engaging elementary and high school students in identifying hazards and risks in their schools which they can report to responsible officials through this app.

Finally, the Comprehensive School Safety Monitoring App is a mobile and web app designed to monitor schools’ initiative on CSS enabling environments and across the three pillars of the CSS Framework which include Safe Learning Facilities, School Disaster Management and Risk Reduction and Resilience in Education.

One of the objectives of the Literacy Coordinating Council is to ensure that the learning needs of all young people and adults are met through equitable access to relevant and appropriate learning and life skills. The LCC supports this initiative by the Department of Education through the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service. We believe that achieving an equitable access to learning, first require making sure that students in their locality are safe from any uncertainties and without the help of these apps may lead to disrupt the population’s desire for literacy.  

Kean Aquino

Technical Assistant 1

On June 13-17, 2022, the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) through its National Literacy Awards (NLA) Board of Judges (BOJ) for Special Award of Excellence in Literacy (SAEL) category conducted an onsite validation with SULADS Philippines in Valencia City, Bukidnon.

Upon the arrival of the LCC validation team, Ptr. Ephraim Pitogo of SULADS, in collaboration with DepEd Regional Office X and Malaybalay City Schools Division Office prepared a simple welcome program at Loiza’s Pavilion in Malaybalay City where an initial presentation of SULADS’ literacy programs was showcased. It also featured sharing of inspiring testimonies from various groups, including program organizers, implementors, partners, and beneficiaries. On the next day, an Opening Conference was organized at Mountain View College in Valencia City, Bukidnon. This allowed the validation team to get to know SULADS’ literacy programs, people, and processes up close. During the said activity, deaf learners, Indigenous Peoples (IP) learners, selected DepEd focal persons, SULADS key officials and volunteers were present to share their experiences while being actively involved in the discussion during the Open Forum. Aside from the Opening Conference, the LCC Validation Team also spent the rest of the week by conducting ocular visits to some of the sites where SULADS’ literacy programs are being facilitated such as the SULADS Deaf Literacy Center located in Malaybalay City and SULADS Comprehensive High School for the LUMADS in Lumintao, Quezon.  The LCC validation team was also able to experience the challenges yet fulfilling hike that SULADS teacher volunteers would normally do when visiting Barangay Lumintao. Indeed, the richness of the culture, the warm welcome and hunger for literacy of the IP communities on the mountaintop would equal to none, especially after hearing all their stories of literacy and its impact to their lives.

Ms. Susan M. Carandang from the National Economic and Development Authority served as one of the BOJs for the SAEL category of NLA. Other members of the BOJ are Mr. Addie T. Unsi from The Asia Foundation and Atty. Katryn Cadiente from the Office of Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian. The BOJ members were accompanied by the LCC Secretariat (LCCS) staff composed of Mr. Enrico R. Mendoza, Ms. Czarina D. Abellonar and Ms. Jem Beryline S. Bualat.

The LCCS would like to take this opportunity to extend its gratitude to SULADS Philippines through Ptr. Pitogo and his team, DepEd RO X, the IP communities, partners, and other individuals who actively participated in and assisted the validation team during the entire duration of the field visit.

The final list of NLA winners, inclusive of the SAEL and regular NLA Search, will be revealed during the conduct of the 2022 NLA Awarding Ceremonies. Final details on the said upcoming event will be announced through a formal communication and through the LCC’s official website at https://lcc.deped.gov.ph and Facebook page at: https://facebook.com/LiteracyCoordinatingCouncil.

Jem Beryline S. Bualat

PDO II / LCC Secretariat

The DepEd International Cooperation Office, in partnership with the Literacy Coordinating Council, organized a regional workshop for the “Project iLearn: Supporting Media and Information Literacy through Education in ASEAN” on May 16-19, 2022 at Tagaytay Country Hotel, Tagaytay City.

Education program specialists and other representatives from various bureaus and services of the Department of Education Central Office participated in the first leg of the said workshop which aimed to develop school-based campaign on media and information literacy (MIL) to promote peace, education, values of moderation, and combat fake news. The regional workshop also aimed to become an avenue of learning for relevant stakeholders and inspire ideas on what could be the possible content of the MIL materials to be developed by the Department.

The conduct of Project iLearn enabled different Ministries of Education and relevant regional organizations within Southeast Asia to present their best practices in relation to school-based media and information literacy. One of the best practices shared by Thailand is their action research on learning management and developing model media to promote media literacy to solve violence and sexual problems among youth. Several best practices have been highlighted by Lao PDR including the use of newspaper, television, radio, as well as website in teaching media and information literacy across their institutions.

The next steps of this event would be the creation of a technical working group and setting of a working timeline for the discussion and exchange of knowledge on how to develop the school-based program centered on media and information literacy. A series of writeshops will be organized in the coming months to develop and finalize the workplan and other pertinent documents which will be consequently presented at the regional (ASEAN) level.

The Literacy Coordinating Council wishes to extend its appreciation to DepEd International Cooperation Office for involving us in their initiatives that will further equip and empower learners with the knowledge and understanding to enable them to become critical thinkers who are able to analyze, utilize, and disseminate information wisely. Through its partnership with ASEAN, the Department hopes to strengthen its advocacy in combatting misinformation and disinformation not only schools but also in the local communities.

Jonnabel D. Escartin

Technical Assistant II

June 15, 2022

While facilitating the conduct of the onsite validation for the 2022 National Literacy Awards in Region X, the LCC Secretariat had a privilege of having a brief visit to the Malaybalay City ALS CLC, the 2020-2021 National Winner of the Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Curriculum and Instruction or SAFE CI. Not only the CLC is award-winning and highly commendable, but also the ALS teachers, Division and Regional ALS focal persons, as well as their DepEd officials. Congratulations! We sincerely appreciate your outstanding contributions to the universalization of literacy in the Philippines.

LCC Secretariat

Pursuant to its legal mandate to assist in identifying successful management schemes of literacy programs, adopt measures, and boost research and development work in literacy by government agencies and non-governmental organizations involved in literacy work, the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) has launched the National Literacy Awards in 1994 which gives out award and recognitions to outstanding local government units and non-government organizations that carried out best practices which helped in alleviating poverty and providing livelihood opportunities, among others.

In 2009, the LCC has decided to give out for the first time the highest literacy award entitled Special Award of Excellence in Literacy (SAEL) that is given to Hall of Fame awardees—first placers of the regular search for outstanding local government units and literacy programs who maintained their ranks for three years.

Aside from the national recognition and plaques the SAEL awardees have received from LCC, the Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation Inc. (CLFI), a non-stock, non-profit charitable represented by its President, Dr. Jean Henri D. Lhuillier has went above and beyond by serving as the official benefactor of cash component of said highest literacy award. This has paved way in cementing the partnership between the LCC and CLFI in its pursuit to universalize literacy in the country through the National Literacy Awards.

At the present time and in line with the preparation for the 2022 National Literacy Awards, the LCC and CLFI has revisited its long-standing partnership and has come into an agreement on the sponsorship of the LCC for the awardees of the Special Award of Excellence in Literacy leading to the provision of the CLFI of a total of Php300,000 for the designated recipient/s of the SAEL category for the 2022 NLA.

The LCC takes this opportunity to sincerely express its gratitude and appreciation for the unfaltering support of the CLFI to the endeavors of the Council. Beyond the sponsorship, the LCC believes that partners like CLFI plays a pivotal role in intensifying efforts to universalize literacy in the country. The LCC would also like to seize this chance and invite potential partners to heed to the call for more allies in rallying with the LCC in the universalization of literacy. Should you be interested, kindly reach out to LCC through lcc@deped.gov.ph or through its Facebook page, Literacy Coordinating Council.

Now, more than ever, we need all the support that we can get as we all strive to build a better Philippines by creating and sustaining literate environments.

Marikka P. Mampusti

Project Development Officer II

May 30, 2022