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In celebration of the International Literacy Day (ILD) 2021 with the theme “Literacy for a Human-Centered Recovery: Narrowing the Digital Divide,” the Philippine Normal University (PNU), the National Center for Teacher Education and the United Nations Association Philippines (UNAP) in partnership with the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC), DepEd-International Cooperation Office (ICO) and UNESCO conducted the Multisectoral Conversation on Literacy on September 8, 2021 via Zoom. The said forum aimed to: 1) build awareness on various technology-enabled literacy practices and initiatives developed and implemented by different stakeholders of education, 2) identify issues, concerns and challenges on literacy, and 3) propose solutions to address different challenges encountered in promoting literacy for human-centered recovery. The said event was well-attended by educators from public and private institutions and representatives from government agencies among others in Zoom which was also simultaneously broadcasted in PNU’s and LCC’s Facebook Pages.

Hosted by Dr. April Ann Curugan, the said event commenced with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem followed by video presentations from the PNU. During the Opening Remarks, Dr. Bert Tuga, President of PNU, mentioned that the current situation brought about by the pandemic has magnified the challenges in education and made it more fragile. However, the fact that the ILD is being celebrated all over the world, it proves that hope may still be found in every situation. He also said that we must prioritize resiliency and sustainability as two of the pillars of the human-centered recovery plan. Meanwhile, Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones shared to the participants some of the agency’s best literacy practices which were the establishment and strengthening of the Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP), synchronization of priorities of different strands and offices, augmentation of the information and communication technology service even amidst the pandemic and the digital divide. Dr. Editha Pillo, President of UNAP, reminded everyone that at these challenging times, we are tasked to assist the humanity and the development of a strong sense of well-being, to narrow the ignorance, to advance literacy, to equip the people with the skills and to open opportunities towards quality education. For Dr. Diosdado San Antonio, LCC Chairperson and DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction, he said that the education has been disrupted due to the COVID-19 but it has also made everyone passionate of learning continuity, accountable of securing a safe environment for the learners and involved in the practice of “bayanihan.” Also, Undersecretary Ernesto Abella, Office-in-Charge of the Philippine National Commission (PNC) for UNESCO, tackled the aggregated results of functional literacy rate based on the 2019 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) and the importance of making inclusive technology regardless of the modality involved. He highlighted the cities and municipalities in the country that have local LCCs and that were recognized for their remarkable contributions in promulgating literacy. He closed his speech by saying, “We should not just reminisce but rather rehearse the ancient wisdom especially in human recovery.”

As for the Keynote Address, Dr. Dina Joana Ocampo, Professor of Reading Education, College of Education from the University of the Philippines, and Former Undersecretary for DepEd’s Programs and Projects, started her presentation with the adverse effects and impacts of COVID-19 mutisectoral, principles of human-centered recovery and diminishing the digital divide. She mentioned that children suffer from social disconnection due to the loss of contact and inability to play in the past months caused by the schools closure. She also emphasized that the key to human centered recovery is investing in people and institutions that protect them. She posed questions whether if people were being put first and considered in different offices. She also asked if people were ready for possibilities for other lockdown or blended learning and if they have been able to emerge in roles that they can draw into and train themselves for the incoming new ones. She highlighted that everyone must grapple in the evolving definition of literacy to narrow the digital divide. To further do this, one must acknowledge it and apply the 8 core skills namely: 1) Reading, 2) Writing, 3) Viewing, 4) Listening, 5) Speaking, 6) Making Meaning, 7) Technology and 8) Creativity in different contexts. Workers must also develop lifelong learning through multiliteracies such as computer and financial literacies. These will help them adapt to change which can also be achieved through upskilling and cross-skilling. As a conclusion, she left the participants with the thought, “We need to embrace the new definition of literacy which includes technology and creativity. We need to prepare learners for all the multiliteracies they need so they can survive the world that is coming to them.  We cannot go back to the normal anymore… we need a new world; therefore, new strategies and we need new teachers who can bring children forward confident and powerful.”

For the next part of the program, a Panel Discussion has been facilitated starting with Dr. Heidi Macahilig, Associate Dean of the Graduate Teacher Education Faculty, College of Graduate Studies and Teacher Education Research of PNU, followed by Dr. Teresita Inciong, Executive Director and Chairperson of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council, then Mr. Geomel Jetonzo, “Brigada Pagbasa” Program Director of World Vision Development Foundation, and Ms. Mardilyn Garcia, President of Paulinian Volunteers for Community Development. During this session, the 4 speakers shared their respective programs and projects on literacy launched by their represented institutions and its impact in the communities in the peak of the pandemic.

Dr. Macahilig talked about the digital divide, its toll on the students and education as a whole, and the PNU’s initiatives such as the “Kaway Aralan sa Bagong Kadawyan” and the ePNU in response to pandemic’s challenges. The former is a contextualized version of flexible learning modality wherein it required a review and recalibration of curricula of undergraduate and graduate programs to focus on the most essential course intended learning outcomes and to align with the flexible learning strategies and the alike. While the latter is the university’s upgrading of its existing learning management system which gave way to the training and provision of technical assistance to the faculty and staff in preparation of the flexible and blended learning. Other projects shared were the “Project Tanglaw” and “Kaway.”

Afterwards, Dr. Inciong focused her discussion on literacy issue being a complex matter. She elaborated the Republic Act 10410, ECCD being the foundation of the learning continuum, its crucial role in a child, and the ECCD System Framework. She reiterated that the schools may be closed but it does not mean that the learning of children is also closed.  She called everyone to continually support the children’s learning experiences and not to stop training the teachers and the parents on this journey.

On Mr. Jetonzo’s presentation, he pointed out the “Brigada Pagbasa,” a national movement for reading that aims to bring together all education champions and supporters to contribute to nation building by helping all Filipino children enhance their reading skills in the context of partnership. His talk also included the Brigada Pagbasa Program Cycle, Learning in Times of Emergencies and Driving of the Reading Culture among the learners. He emphasized that the future of children is worth investing. He encouraged everyone “to support the program… because to sustain the gains and to bridge the gaps as we embark on the second year of emergency remote learning, every member of the community must be equipped to perform their roles in effectively educating the children.”

The last panelist, Ms. Garcia, instilled to the participants to think globally and to turn their lenses into multifaceted ones. Her rich experiences were drawn from their project “Handog Pag-ibig,” a multifaceted project rooted in fostering inclusive development by capacitating the holistic empowerment of indigenous communities. Based on her immersion to the indigenous communities, she said that it is important to possess empathy, education and empowerment to truly realize inclusivity in education especially at the time of the pandemic. She closed her speech by saying “It is about putting human at the center of everything… Literacy should ignite a holistic development.”

After the presentations, Mr. Benjo Basas, National Chairperson of Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) and Ms. Lindsay Barrientos, Executive Director of PNC for UNESCO, served as the reactors for the said event. After their sharing of insights, the group proceeded to the Open Forum and Awarding of Certificates.

In conclusion, Dr. Margarita Consolacion Ballestors, Director of DepEd-ICO, leaned on the need to address the digital divide and the call for a worldwide efforts. She said that literacy must expand the possibilities to choose the kind of life everyone wants to live with. “Being literate is more than just being able to read and write but someone who can go beyond and forecast what is yet to come and is in there at the moment,” she noted.

The LCC Secretariat would like to thank the PNU and its partners for sharing this momentous event with them. Inputs shared during the forum are indeed valuable in the future endeavors of the Council on literacy.

To watch the replays of the recorded event, kindly click the links below:

Part 1: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live?v=804320186910134&ref=watch_permalink

Part 2: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live?v=350775066770641&ref=watch_permalink

Jem Beryline S. Bualat

The ASPBAE organized a virtual celebration of International Youth Day held on August 12, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. via zoom. The organization aims to allow people to see the future of education and let the diverse marginalized communities in Asia Pacific be heard. The celebration focused on the six members—Nepal, India, Timor-Leste, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.

Ms. Yen Esmeralda from the Philippines talked about the Regional Report from the margins to the center: Youth Shaping the Future of Education wherein the clear discussion of the ASPBAE with its members were discussed. The ASPBAE with its members is a regional network of more than 200 CSOs and individuals operating in around 30 countries of the Asia-Pacific, in which they work towards promoting the right quality education and transformative and liberating lifelong adult education and learning for all.

The highlights of youth activities were also included such as: 1) Working with youth-led organizations in coalitions and NGOs working with the youth; 2) Exchanges and capacity building with students and youth leaders in youth-lee organizations; 3) Youth networking and collaboration on SDG 4 and right education advocacy; and 4) Facilitating meaningful participation of youth in regional and global education platforms (APMED, APFSD, HLPF).

Rossana Villegas from the Philippines presents the recommendations to give fair chance to everyone.

Vietnam recommendations

Mr. Jose de Jesus shares his recommendations for the marginalized youth.

The three guest speakers gave their comments and remarks on the Future of Education. Prof. Doh-Yeon Kim, Professor Emeritus Seoul National University Chairman, Ulsan Educational Foundation mentioned that we can predict our future by having clear destination. For the successful creation of the future, one must have definite objectives, wisdom and knowledge, and passion.

Ms. Ushio Miura, UNESCO Bangkok Office says that they are encouraging and promoting debates and discussions to help re-imagine how knowledge and learning can shape the future of humanity. More people around the world will attend and contribute on this debate. This is to bring out the voices of the youth of marginalized community.

Dr. Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela from the SEAMEO INNOTECH, underscores that the SEAMEO promotes cooperation in education, Science and Culture. They work with global and regional organizations to promote SDGs and the rest. They engage young people because they are the driving force of societal development and the future of the world.

The LCC Secretariat commends the organizers of this event for raising awareness on the inclusion of marginalized communities, including the youth and opening the eyes of those who can do something to help recalibrate the education system for the betterment of the young people.

Ryan Rodrigo

The International Development Institute (IDI) and RTI International hosted jointly a one-day workshop on Improving Learning Outcomes at School Level Post-Pandemic, supported by USAID Philippines on August 12, 2021 via Zoom. This workshop was participated in by select personnel from DepEd bureaus/offices and other participants from Ghana, India, Nepal and Romania. Dr. Thomas LeBlanc, USAID Philippines Director of Education, commended all participants for completing the training course in April 2021 and going extra mile in leading schools during this pandemic. He also thanked Usec. Diosdado M. San Antonio and DepEd for their support and continued collaboration.  This follow up session enabled the participants to share what they have learned from the previous program and how they were able to utilize any of them at their work.

USAID Philippines Director of Education Dr. Thomas LeBlanc delivers his opening remarks.

Prof. Padmanabhan Seshaiyer, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor, Mathematical Sciences, shares how the Singapore’s philosophy “Teach Less, Learn More” has helped improve its education.

Mr. Jonathan Kassa, Board Member, North Penn School District, PA (USA) presents best practices in leading schools during pandemic which includes health and safety protocols; challenges with education and hybrid model; engaging parents and community to reduce dropouts; and utilizing data for decisioning.

Ms. Anisha Sharma, Principal, Delhi Public School, Siliguri (India) highlights the importance of the 4 Cs (Communication, Critical thinking, Collaboration and Coordination) in education and solutions to continue learning through various platforms.

The LCC Secretariat wishes to express its deep gratitude to the IDI, RTI International and USAID Philippines for engaging us anew in this peer-to-peer learning which will be helpful by getting opportunities to reflect on our knowledge base and skills and identifying opportunities to apply course learning to our unique national and school contexts.

Czarina D. Abellonar

The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) facilitated the webinar on Local Governments’ PDP and SDG Localization Efforts as Contribution to National Development on August 8, 2021 from 2:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. via Webex by Cisco teleconference.

The virtual event features a PIDS-DILG study that examined how recent efforts have fared in ensuring that local development plans are aligned with national development goals. It also assessed the effectiveness of the latest Philippine Development Plan results matrices in the government’s localization efforts.

The webinar formally commenced after its preliminaries with President Ancieto C. Orbeta, Jr. presenting the opening remarks. The teleconference was participated in by LGUs, NGOs, and various deans, educators, and students from different academic institutions. Joining as discussants are NEDA Undersecretary for Regional Development Group Mercedita Sombilla and League of Local Planning and Development Coordinators of the Philippines, Inc. National President Mario Nillos. PIDS President Aniceto Orbeta Jr. and DILG’s Bureau of Local Government Development Director Anna Liza Bonagua were also invited to give their respective messages.

The first presenter was PIDS Research Fellow Charlotte Justine D. Sicat who highlighted the results of the Public Sector in the implementation of the Philippine Development Plan (Executive Order No. 27, s. 2017). She also discussed the chapters of the Local Planning and Budgeting Framework Map in relation to the Philippine Development Plan, as well as the Scope, Data, and Methodology of the paper. Some of the chapters of the PDP 2017-2022 discussed were People Centered, Clean, and Efficient and Effective Governance Ensured; Swift and Fair administration of Justice; Philippine Culture and Values Promoted; Economic Opportunities in Agriculture and Fisheries Expanded; Economic Opportunities in Industry and Services Expanded; Human Development Capital; Vulnerability of Individuals and Families; among others, which ended by highlighting limitations and suggestions of the presented national data of each region, its top PDP chapters, aligned SDG indicators and number of baseline and target data.

NEDA Undersecretary for Regional  Development Group Mercedita A. Sombilla responded by presenting her insights on the findings of the Philippine Development Plan and the early presentation of Dr. Sicat. Usec. Sombilla shed light on the course of the presentation of the study as it will yield an efficient and effective delivery of services, promote local and economic growth and inclusive governance to benefit all communities especially those who are leaving in far-flung areas. The lesson learned on PDP and SDG localization efforts can also help provide guidance on its convergence. The assessment will provide better results with the availability of more granular data as more indicators will yield more outcomes and outputs.

Furthermore, League of Local Planning and Development Coordinators of the Philippines, Inc. National President Mario N. Nillos also discussed their stand on the study. President Nillos discussed the issues, challenges and general findings of the study stating that the process of institutionalization of the localization process is also relevant, though PDP targets change and vary during the transition of Philippine Government Administration. Specific recommendations such as capacity and technical assistance were also given to complement with the localization efforts.

An open forum was conducted to address all queries to the highlights of the study of PDP including addressing the comments of LGU representatives and other participants. In the closing program, Director Bonagua delivered her closing remarks.

The LCC Secretariat appreciates the PIDS and DILG for the enlightening webinar as the result of the PDP localization primer is a useful tool in identifying priority areas of LGUs and their contribution to national development, which is timely, especially in the implementation of the Mandanas Ruling in 2022. With this, the Literacy Coordinating Council can focus on the priority needs of the local government units by analyzing their aligned PDP chapters, SDG indicators and number of baseline and target data and integrating these to their literacy needs, which can support in bridging the gap and addressing the literacy needs at the grassroots level, and advocating the universalization of literacy in the country.

Terence Joshua Canlas

The Department of Education (DepEd) officially launched the commencement of Brigada Eskwela 2021 through a National Kick Off Ceremony held on August 3, Monday, with the theme “Bayanihan para sa Paaralan,” hosted by Schools Division Office of Tagum City, DepEd Region XI. The event was held live at the Tagumpay Theatre in Tagum City, as well as virtually via Zoom Teleconference broadcasted live via DepEd’s Facebook page, and participated in by DepEd officials and personnel, together with various stakeholders such as public and private partners, parents, and learners all over the country.

Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Melanie P. Estacio shared how Tagum City is bonded with the spirit of unity and cooperation and how this program is a test of commitment for everyone amidst the pandemic.

Tagum City Schools Division Superintendent Josephine L. Fadul expressed her appreciation to the DepEd Central Office for choosing Tagum City Division as the host of the Brigada Eskwela 2021 National Kick Off Ceremony, wherein she cited  Region XI and Tagum City’s remarkable initiatives in championing education programs. Dr. Fadul also emphasized that quality learning will continue despite the threats posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

DepEd Region XI RD Allan G. Farnazo emphasized the importance of education to strengthen and arm the children for their future. He also added that preparing the children to take their leadership function is a great challenge to all educators. Dr. Farnazo also expressed his appreciation to all for their strong commitment and support to the conduct of Bayanihan para sa Paaralan.

Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) President, Hon. Dakila Carlo E. Cua shared how Brigada Eskwela awakens the spirit of bayanihan in every Filipino. Gov. Cua also assures that this program is fully supported by all local government units across the country.

Hon. Congressman Roman T. Romulo, Chairperson of the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture mentioned how all sectors tried hard to cope with the start of pandemic last year, most importantly the education sector. He shared how the education sector shifted from face-to-face to modular/online mode of learning. Cong. Romulo expressed his appreciation to all the teaching and non-teaching personnel for their hard work during these trying times.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture Hon. Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian shared the importance of volunteerism to deliver quality education despite the current situation. He encourages everyone to work together to provide a better future for all Filipino children.

Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, External Partnerships Service and Project Management Service Atty. Tonisito M.C. Umali, Esq clarified that the 2021 Brigada Eskwela Program is very different from the traditional one because of the current pandemic situation. Usec. Umali mentioned that this year’s Brigada Eskwela is focused on Brigada Pagbasa and Home Learning Spaces.

DepEd Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones highlighted the importance of Brigada Eskwela in preparation for every school year opening. Sec. Briones also mentioned calamities and incidents wherein Filipino bayanihan were tested during those times and shared that some DepEd regulations and memoranda were adjusted to adapt in the situation to continue providing quality education. She also shared that President Duterte allowed DepEd to initiate pilot studies in conducting face-to-face classes as it is a very important component of the learning process, but different COVID variants emerged which affected their decision to conduct the face-to-face learning.

Secretary Briones urged the public to refrain from finger-pointing and blaming, but go on with what we have and what we can do. She added to just focus on their work as educators and the official opening of classes on September 13, 2021. SLMB has also emphasized that education must continue and must be for all amidst any situation. Another challenge she shared is the series of natural disasters, political circumstances, and the start of pandemic last year. She highlighted that the department has learned to continue and adjust along the way.

Brigada Eskwela is a testament that the Filipino bayanihan will always be alive. The Literacy Coordinating Council is one with the Department of Education in celebrating the bayanihan spirit through Brigada Eskwela 2021. We encourage everyone to join hands and work together to achieve our dream of inclusive and quality basic education for all Filipinos.

DepEd’s Brigada Eskwela (BE) 2021 will be implemented from August 3 to September 30, 2021 as part of the schools’ preparations on the opening of school year 2021-2022. For more details, the BE 2021 guidelines may be accessed at https://www.deped.gov.ph/2021/08/03/august-2-2021-dm-048-s-2021-2021-brigada-eskwela-implementing-guidelines/.

Jonnabel D. Escartin

The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) facilitated a webinar entitled Public Sector Volunteerism: Luzon in Focus on July 28, 2021 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. via Zoom Teleconference.

The teleconference, which was participated in by LGUs around Luzon, government agencies, as well as government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), discussed various topics such as basic concepts on volunteerism, public sector and volunteerism, and good practices of public sector organizations.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region I Regional Director Nestor Rillon shared his welcome message, followed by a keynote message delivered by Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) President Gov. Dakila Carlo E. Cua through a recorded message. Gov. Cua discussed the essence of Filipino volunteerism, sighting community pantries and Filipino bayanihan during the time of pandemic and calamities. He also emphasized the need for a regular consultation and collaboration by local governments to achieve a common goal.

Ms. Fely Baday, OIC-PATSD of the PNVSCA discussed the importance of their agency, including calls for the integration of volunteerism as part of the curriculum in basic and higher education to raise consciousness of the youth and develop the culture of volunteerism among citizenries. She also highlighted their advocacy efforts to encourage and assist LGUs, NGAs, and GOCCs to set up their volunteer programs.

The webinar aimed to increase awareness on volunteerism and the role and programs of PNVSCA as the government focal agency for volunteer services in the country; identify possible facilitating factors/key players that will help in pushing the initiatives, and hindering factors that need to be addressed; express commitment to facilitate in harnessing the enabling environment for volunteerism in their respective organization/community; and advocate the mainstreaming of volunteerism in their agency plans and programs and the establishment of agency volunteer group and/or designation of a VFP.

PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James Gawe provided an overview of volunteerism, its types and forms as well as its policy framework. ED Gawe emphasized that volunteerism is a form of activity which involves spending time, unpaid, and doing something which aims to benefit someone. He also summarized the Republic Act 9418 or an Act on Volunteerism, meaning this is a free will and no compulsion. He has also sighted that religion, community concerns, and personal development are the various reasons why people chose to volunteer.

Mr. Mark Anthony Malitan, from the Civil Service Institute of the Civil Service Commission talked about the importance of the public service values for transformation. He emphasized that shared values serve as the life force of an organization. He also added that CSC values Patriotism, Integrity, Excellence, and Spirituality, wherein he discussed the meaning of each value in workforce thoroughly. Mr. Malitan mentioned the Public Service Values Program of the CSC, where he presented the activities under that program. He also urged everyone to collaborate and work as one.

President and co-Founder of the Cancer Warriors Foundation Ms. Carmen Auste discussed how the foundation started by her family and how her family’s life changed since her son is a cancer survivor. She shared their experience of being a volunteer and the importance of being a volunteer at any time, and not just during the pandemic. Ms. Auste also proudly shared that the World Health Organization has recognized the Cancer Warriors Foundation.

LGU representatives shared their experience in volunteering during the open forum session. They emphasized that there are challenges during the time of the pandemic and encouraged everyone to volunteer if they have time.  

Participating in this kind of webinar enables the LCC Secretariat to broaden its perspective on the spirit of Filipino volunteerism, which we can apply in our advocacy of universalizing literacy in the country.

Jonnabel D. Escartin