Collage featuring various social media posts of literacy advocates on how they celebrated the 2021 National Literacy Week with the LCC
Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 329, s. 1993, the LCC spearheaded the celebration of 2021 National Literacy Week (NLW) from September 2 to 8. This annual event aims to: 1) generate awareness and appreciation of literacy programs and projects, 2) highlight the role of education in the eradication of illiteracy, and 3) create interest and understanding of issues and concerns related to literacy among various sectors, among others.
The major activity of the said celebration was the virtual conduct of the 2021 National Literacy Conference (NLC) dated September 6-7, 2021. Through this event, literacy experts, administrators, implementers, partners and advocates both from DepEd and other sectors were able to converge, discuss emerging and persistent issues and concerns on literacy and provide policy recommendations especially at the height of pandemic and implementation of Alternative Delivery Modes. Aside from that, the LCC Secretariat (LCCS) also facilitated the Call for Entries for Public Service Announcement Videos on Literacy. This initiative intended to feature the best practices on literacy nationwide through the use of media. Moreover, the Council joined the Philippine Normal University, one of its Council Members, in the conduct of Multisectoral Conversation on Literacy in line with the celebration of International Literacy Day on September 8, 2021.
Even amidst the ongoing pandemic, the active support of the DepEd community and other literacy stakeholders to LCC has undeniably become evident during the celebration of the NLW. In fact, various literacy advocates and partners also shared online their respective literacy programs and projects using the official NLW hashtags while others utilized the NLW Facebook frame to demonstrate their concordance, unity and burning passion in pursuit of universalized literacy for all. Hence, the Council and the LCCS appreciate everyone who made the success of the celebration possible.
Indeed, words are not enough to truly capture all existing literacy efforts at the grassroots level and the tremendous commitment and selfless love it took to bring us all where we are today. The Council and the LCC Secretariat would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who continuously champions literacy.
We look forward to working with you in the future and seeing you all again next year! May our burning passion for literacy continue, not only during the National Literacy Week celebration but all year long!
Literacy advocates across all DepEd governance levels, and other sectors posing together in support of 2021 National Literacy Week using the official Facebook profile picture frame
The Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) held its first-ever virtual National Literacy Conference (NLC) on September 6-7, 2021 in conjunction with the celebration of the National Literacy Week as stipulated in Presidential Proclamation No. 239, s. 1993. The Conference was held via Microsoft Teams and broadcasted simultaneously via DepEd, LCC, and its partner institutions’ Facebook pages.
In its pursuit of universalizing literacy, the theme for this year’s NLC is “Literacy Learning Innovations in the New Normal Towards Sustainable Development.” The Conference addressed the following objectives: a) present the current literacy situation in the country; b) share practices on addressing challenges and opportunities in literacy education; c) showcase researches on literacy education during the pandemic; and d) discuss policy recommendations on the achievement of SDG 4.
DepEd Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones graced the opening program, emphasizing DepEd’s commitment to promoting inclusive literacy despite any challenges. She also hoped for the success of the two-day Conference. Secretary Briones also assured everyone that the Department would continue delivering quality basic education to every Filipino child despite the health crisis. She also emphasized the importance of linkages and thanked all partners and stakeholders for implementing literacy initiatives. Secretary Briones also called on everyone to continue addressing education issues by producing more literacy champions and becoming globally competitive.
Meanwhile, DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction and LCC Chairperson, Dr. Diosdado M. San Antonio highlighted the importance of Bayanihan and called for the continuous support of both national and local governments in advocating literacy programs and projects in the country. He also promised to continue finding ways in ensuring every Filipino can possess the foundational literacy skills needed to survive.
SEAMEO Secretariat Director Dr. Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela emphasized that literacy empowers the youth and allows people to be responsible citizens of their country. She also expressed her concern about the number of youths and adults lacking basic literacy globally. Dr. Valenzuela mentioned the need for equitable learning for all and provided some topics that must be included in literacies such as gender equality and climate change.
LCC invited prestigious speakers for each plenary session. The Philippine Statistics Authority’s Assistant National Statistician Wilma A. Guillen and Senior Research Fellow of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies Dr. Jose Ramon G. Albert thoroughly presented the 2019 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) results and the importance of literacy research in the new normal. On the other hand, Ms. Susan M. Carandang, Supervising Economic Development Specialist from the National Economic and Development Authority facilitated and moderated the Plenary I discussion. Concerns such as digital illiteracy among elders and out-of-school youth problems were addressed by Ms. Guillen and Dr. Albert during the open forum.
LCC Secretariat Head Mr. Enrico R. Mendoza facilitated the introduction of esteemed guest speakers in Plenary II. DepEd’s Bureau of Learning Delivery Director Leila P. Areola tackled the topic “Blended Distance Learning: Delivering Learning During COVID-19 Pandemic,” followed by the presentation on the Alternative Learning System Updates by Assistant Secretary G.H. S. Ambat. For the third subtopic, TESDA’s Executive Director David B. Bungallon provided insights on Philippine TVET initiatives amidst the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic and the 4th Industrial Revolution. The Day 1 of the Conference ended fruitfully with participants invited again to join the Day 2 of the Conference. Participants used the opportunity to ask questions to the guest speakers regarding their concerns on remunerations, incentives and allowances being received by the DepEd and ALS teachers, among other concerns.
Interesting topics were also tackled on the Day 2 of the Conference. Not everyone is familiar with the word Pandemogogy, derived from the words pandemic and pedagogy, which means the method of teaching during the pandemic. Dr. Isabel Martin from the Ateneo de Manila University and Dr. Eva Wong, former Director of the Hong Kong Baptist University both delved into the discussion on that subject in Plenary III, with an explanation on how local and international schools handle the massive effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion was facilitated and moderated by Dr. Heidi Macahilig, LCC member representative and Associate Dean, Graduate Teacher Education Faculty, College of Graduate Studies and Teacher Education Research from the Philippine Normal University.
Various basic education policy recommendations in the new normal were presented by Mr. Nemesio O. Malatamban III, one of the LCC member representatives and Supervising Legislative Staff Officer II from the House of Representatives. NLC participants were active during the open forum and raised several concerns regarding the implementation of these policy recommendations. They also hoped for proper dissemination of laws and engagement of stakeholders in monitoring the implementation of laws.
Participants were assigned to their respective breakout rooms during the breakout session. Through the assistance of the designated facilitators and LCC Secretariat personnel, they were able to identify the initiatives in the community/organization, their issues and concerns, as well as the policy recommendations in the following topics: 2019 FLEMMS Results and Literacy Research in the New Normal, Blended and Flexible Learning, and Pandemogogy. Afterwards, the nominated rapporteurs in the three rooms presented their outputs in the main plenary room. Facilitators of the Breakout Session were E-Net Philippines Ms. Vichelle Yumuya, DILG’s Ms. Evelyn Castro, and LCC TWG Member Ms. Ma. Cristina M. Gonzales.
Education for Life Philippines Chairperson Mr. Edicio G. Dela Torre shared a brief, but inspirational synthesis highlighting the importance of lifelong learning. Participants expressed their appreciation to Mr. Dela Torre’s message through an evaluation form which they filled out after the Conference. NEDA Director IV Girlie Grace J. Casimiro-Igtiben delivered her closing message, conveying her gratitude to all the participants of this year’s Conference, and hoped to see them again in the future activities of LCC.
The conduct of the National Literacy Conference served as a venue for sharing experiences in implementing literacy programs and projects for community development. The Literacy Coordinating Council wishes to express its gratitude to all the literacy partners and stakeholders who supported them throughout the implementation of its programs, projects, and activities.
Dr. Dina Joana Ocampo, the Keynote Speaker during the conduct of the Multisectoral Conversation on Literacy.
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.
The official event banner used during the conduct of the Multisectoral Conversation on Literacy in line with the celebration of the International Literacy Day on September 8, 2021.
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.”
Dr. Bert Tuga welcoming the guests, speakers and participants for the said eventDepEd Secretary Leonor Briones stressing on the significance of the event during her speech
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.”
Dr. Dina Joana Ocampo sharing her insights during the Keynote Address
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.”
Dr. Heidi Macahilig, one of the four panelists, highlighting the PNU’s initiatives on ensuring learning continuity among the students
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.
Ms. Lindsay Barrientos serving as one of the reactors during the said event
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:
All video entries must adhere to the guidelines set by the Council as seen in the attached document. Kindly submit your videos on or before September 30, 2021 via https://forms.gle/EmcoKGQyZfM364fU6 .
The National Literacy Conference or the NLC is one of the major programs of the Literacy Coordinating Council which aims to provide a venue for sharing and documentation of practices, issues, and challenges in implementing literacy programs and projects for community development.
In 2020, the Council cancelled the conduct of the National Literacy Conference and Awards due to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the Department of Education, through the LCC has decided to resume the holding of the Conference virtually in conjunction with the celebration of the National Literacy Week as stipulated in Presidential Proclamation No. 239, s. 1993, “Declaring the Period from September 2-8 of every year as Literacy Week and in DepEd Memorandum No. 72, s. 2019 on the “Annual Celebration of the National Literacy Week.”
The theme for this year’s NLC is “Literacy Learning Innovations in the New Normal Towards Sustainable Development.” The 2021 NLC will be conducted on September 6-7, 2021 via Microsoft Teams and will be livestreamed via DepEd and LCC Facebook pages. The conference aims to a) present the current literacy situation in the country; b) share practices on addressing challenges and opportunities in literacy education; c) showcase researches on literacy education during the pandemic; and d) discuss policy recommendations on the achievement of SDG 4.
The target participants for the said event are the officials, teaching, and non-teaching personnel of the Department of Education, local government officials and staff of LGUs actively implementing literacy programs, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) including NGOs actively involved in literacy implementation, heads and members of partner academic institutions, other public and private partners, and researchers from public and private Higher Education Institutions.
All interested participants must register through this link: https://bit.ly/3k7ZEYNon or before August 31, 2021. For those who will receive the link to join the MS Teams meeting, it is mandatory to secure a Microsoft Teams account by signing up for free through www.office.com and installing its application prior to the conduct of the event. It is important to use the same registered email address in the registration form in signing up for the MS Teams to ensure that the participants’ credentials will be recognized by the system. In order to receive a Certificate of Participation, participants are required to accomplish the evaluation form to be posted by the LCC Secretariat after the conference within the given timeline. Please take note that distribution of certificates is targeted to be accomplished within two to three weeks from the date of the NLC closing program.
For more information, please visit the LCC website by clicking this link: www.lcc.deped.gov.ph/nlc-2021/ or you may visit the DepEd website to download a copy of DepEd Memorandum no. 054, s. 2021.
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.
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.
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.
Opening remarks by PIDS President Aniceto C. Orbeta, Jr.
PIDS Presenters during the Cisco Webex Webinar
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.
Dr. Charlotte Justine Sicat as the first presenter during the webinar
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.
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.
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.
