Policy Research and Development on Literacy

In a steadfast effort to illuminate the path to improved literacy rates in the Philippines, the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) has unveiled its comprehensive program, “LIYAB,” comprising five vital pillars aimed at fulfilling its mandate to universalize literacy in the country. The LIYAB program embodies the nation’s commitment to empower Filipinos through functional literacy and lifelong learning, and the first pillar, aptly named “LIKHA,” sets its focus on Policy Research and Development.

Under the LIKHA pillar, the LCC is resolutely dedicated to enhancing research and development efforts in the field of literacy. This involves harnessing the power of comprehensive data, in-depth studies, and expert analyses to inform and influence literacy policy and program development across the national and local levels of governance.

Currently, the LCC is undertaking the Research Study on the Development of Benchmarks for Adult Literacy Competencies. This study aims to review and consolidate international standards on literacy, culminating in the creation of a benchmark for adult literacy competencies. Such a benchmark is poised to become the cornerstone for policy recommendations, ushering in a new era of literacy advancement in the country.

At its core, the research study seeks to achieve four pivotal goals:

1) Redefining the Country’s Literacy Goals: By drawing upon global best practices and innovative approaches, the study endeavors to redefine the nation’s literacy goals. The envisioned goals will take into account not only the conventional aspects of reading and writing but also the ever-evolving demands of a knowledge-driven society.

2) Revising the Measure of Literacy in the Country: With the benchmark for adult literacy competencies as a guide, the LCC aims to reevaluate the existing metrics used to assess literacy rates in the Philippines. This revision will pave the way for a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of literacy levels, helping to identify areas that require urgent attention and intervention.

3) Designing Interventions to Achieve Literacy Goals: Armed with data-backed insights, the LCC will craft targeted interventions to propel the country towards achieving its literacy goals. These interventions will be tailored to address specific challenges and will extend to diverse areas such as curriculum review for Basic Education and Teacher Education, as well as national and local literacy programs

4) Strengthening Curriculum and Literacy Programs: The study’s outcomes will serve as a driving force behind the transformation of educational curricula and literacy programs. Armed with the benchmark for adult literacy competencies, the LCC will collaborate with educational institutions and stakeholders to implement comprehensive enhancements, ensuring that learners are equipped with the skills required for success in the modern world.

The research study kicks off through a series of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) in select Department of Education (DepEd) Regions across the Philippines. The inaugural session took place on July 13, 2023, in DepEd Region X, facilitated by the research team from the Philippine Normal University (PNU) and other partner higher education institutions, together with the LCC Secretariat, Regional Alternative Learning System (ALS) focal person, and personnel from the Schools Division Office of Cagayan de Oro City. Subsequent FGDs are scheduled to cover additional regions in the following weeks, extending until September 2023.

As the LCC continues its relentless pursuit of literacy excellence, the LIKHA pillar is set to become a beacon of knowledge, guiding the nation towards a future characterized by enhanced literacy rates and a more educated and empowered citizenry. As the research study on the development of benchmarks for adult literacy competencies unfolds, the nation eagerly awaits the transformative changes that lie ahead, heralding a new era of literacy-driven development.

On October 3, 2022, Dr. Heidi B. Macahilig, Associate Dean and Representative of the Philippine Normal University (PNU) to the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC), presented the National Literacy Framework (NLF) in the 15th National Convention on Statistics (NCS) held on October 3-5,2022 at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria in Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City. The NLF is the output of the research study conducted by the LCC in partnership with the PNU.

With the theme “Boosting the Country’s Recovery with Informed Decisions, Better Policies,” the said convention emphasizes the importance of crafting strong and responsive socioeconomic policies based on relevant and reliable statistics for the continuous pursuit of the country’s recovery from the adverse impacts of the pandemic. The objectives of the event are: 1) to provide a forum for exchanging ideas and experiences in the field of statistics and for discussing recent statistical developments and prevailing issues and problems of the Philippines Statistical System (PSS), and 2) to elicit the cooperation and support of statisticians and professionals in related fields from the government, academe and private sector towards a more responsive statistical system. The country’s efforts towards recovery jumpstarted with the adoption of strong responsive socioeconomic policies based on relevant and accurate statistics.

The PSS, by virtue of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Board Resolution No. 01, Series of 2017-073 “Approving the Conduct of the National Convention on Statistics Every Three Years,” conducts the NCS every three years. It is the country’s biggest convergence of statisticians, statistical practitioners, academicians, researchers, students, and media, both from the government and private sectors. The said event included plenary sessions, invited/contributed paper sessions, panel discussions, statistics trainings as well as the Statistical Information Management Exhibit (SIMEX) – a commercial exhibition of the latest software, hardware and other products for statistical information and management.

The NCS has always been a provider of fora for developing new and strengthening partnerships among government agencies, private sector, media, academe, and international organizations. Meanwhile, for this year, the 15th NCS coincides with the opening ceremony of the 33rd National Statistics Month (NSM) dated October 3, 2022.

Through this avenue, the NLF was introduced to various literacy policy makers and stakeholders and hopes to ignite discussions on elevating the quality of literacy in the country in spite of Filipino communities’ diverse profiles and needs especially now, in the face of a crisis. With the development of the NLF, implications on the definition of literacy being used by PSA’s Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS), including the crafting of survey questions may be considered.

The Council continually strives to strengthen its research and development work which aims to come up with evidence-based, relevant, and responsive policies addressing the current literacy needs of the country. Through this, the Council will be able to also develop strategies, programs, and initiatives on literacy education that will in turn help produce 21st century lifelong learners and citizens.

To view and get a copy of the technical report of the NLF, kindly visit this link (https://lcc.deped.gov.ph/NLFCopy).

Make sure to check on the Council’s latest programs, projects, and activities via LCC Secretariat’s official Facebook account and LCC website.  

Jem Beryline S. Bualat

PDO II, LCC Secretariat

On June 27, 2022, the Council convened for the 150th LCC Meeting held at the BCD Conference Room, DepEd Complex in Pasig City. Mr. Zaldy I. Masangkay, Division Chief of Bureau of Local Government Development, representative of Dir. Annaliza Bonagua of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), presided over the meeting, DILG being the Co-Chairperson of the Council.

One of the highlights of the said meeting was the approval of the LCC Resolution on the Adoption of the National Literacy Framework, an output of the study conducted by the research team of Dr. Heidi  Macahilig of the Philippine Normal University (PNU). With the Council’s issuance of this Resolution, additional reference and evidence-based data and information are now made available for the revision and enhancement of the Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) survey tool, K-12 curriculum education, teacher education curriculum, and design of curriculum for localized and contextualized literacy advocacies and activities at the grassroots level. (Link to the NLF’s Technical Report: https://lcc.deped.gov.ph/NLFCopy)

Meanwhile, the Council commended the LCC Secretariat for its competence, effectiveness, and efficiency in facilitating the conduct of LCC programs and projects implemented during the first two quarters of the year despite limited work force, funds, and other challenges met during the pandemic. They also expressed their high hopes on the success of upcoming activities of the Council for the remaining quarters of 2022, and beyond. 

As for the National Literacy Awards, updates in the conduct of the regional search were discussed, as well as the latest information on the onsite validation of entries for the Special Award of Excellence in Literacy category.

The 150th LCC Meeting was attended by Mr. Zaldy I. Masangkay of the DILG, Ms. Josephine L. Babaran of Philippine Information Agency, Ms. Susan M. Carandang of National Economic and Development Authority, Dr. Heidi B. Macahilig of PNU, and Mr. Enrico R. Mendoza, Ms. Czarina D. Abellonar, Ms. Jem Beryline S. Bualat, Ms. Marikka P. Mampusti, Mr. Ryan Rondrigo, Ms. Jonnabel D. Escartin, Mr. Kean Osmund F. Aquino, Ms. Ma. Teresita C. Manlolo and Mr. Wilfredo A. Catangui of the LCC Secretariat.

Literacy Coordinating Council meetings are held every quarter of the year and the next meeting is set to be conducted  in September.

Jem Beryline S. Bualat

PDO II

On May 5, 2022, the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) Secretariat released via the National Literacy Information System (NLIS) the digital copy of the LCC’s Technical Report on the National Literacy Framework (NLF). Spearheaded by the Philippine Normal University, the Council’s lead member agency for Research, the research team composed of Dr. Heidi Macahilig, Project Director and Researcher, and Mr. Michael James Edpao, Researcher, conducted a study that developed an overarching framework of literacy skills and competencies that Filipinos need to develop and be equipped with for 21st century living. The definition of literacy which was included in the report was in the context of the Filipinos vis-à-vis the age of FIRe (fourth industrial revolution), and capabilities needed for 21st century living.

During the 149th LCC Meeting, the Council declared that this research output is essentially valuable for policy formulation in the country’s education system and literacy governance. Copies of the said report were also provided to DepEd’s Bureau of Curriculum Development, and the Philippine Statistics Authority for their consideration respectively on the relative curriculum review and crafting of the survey tool for the next conduct of Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS).

Geared towards the universalization of literacy, the Council comes up with various programs, projects and activities, which aim to cater to the emerging and diverge literacy needs of the country. This includes the conceptualization and conduct of a wide array of research studies on literacy; thus, the NLF, being one of them.

In connection with this, the LCC Secretariat would like to extend its gratitude to all concerned DepEd Regional and Schools Division Offices, Alternative Learning System Focal Persons and teachers, persons-in-charge of literacy programs from Local Government Units and Nongovernment Organizations, learners, and other relevant education stakeholders nationwide for sharing their expertise and participating in this important research endeavor. Hence, the LCCS would like to congratulate everyone for making this milestone possible and for bringing us all closer to the eradication of illiteracy in the country.

The Council continues to yearn for research initiatives and forging of partnerships with different stakeholders. It strongly believes that by having a rich data on literacy will yield into better and relevant policy recommendations.

To view and get a copy of the technical report, please visit this link.

Be updated with LCC’s programs, projects, and activities through the LCCS’ official Facebook account and LCC website. 

Jem Beryline Bualat

Project Development Officer II

May 6, 2022

Yesterday, March 29, 2022, Dr. Heidi B. Macahilig, Philippine Normal University’s representative to the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) presented the results of the research study on the Development of the National Literacy Framework (NLF) during the 149th LCC Meeting. Dr. Macahilig, the research director explained the salient points of the study that yielded to the re-definition of what literacy is, geared towards 21st Century Skills and Fourth Industrial Revolution. She elaborated that the Filipino consciousness and unique features of the Philippine educational system play a huge role in literacy development in the country. This includes local literacy landscape as dictated by geography, economy, politics, languages and cultures. Hence, the development of the NLF.

Dr. Macahilig made clear that the framework developed as a result of the study could already be used for policy review and development.

As part of the next steps, the LCC Secretariat will provide a copy of NLF’s technical report to relevant agencies and offices for information and reference in policy formulation and program development, including the Philippine Statistics Authority in consideration of the definition of literacy, as well as the survey questions currently being reviewed for the next conduct of the Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS).

This LCC’s research initiative is significant to nation building especially on redefining what a literate Filipino is and equipping him/her with skills in order to be truly functional, productive and excellent amidst the 21st century.

Once finalized, the technical report for NLF can be accessed online via the Research on Literacy portal of the National Literacy Information System (NLIS) lodged at the LCC website (https://lcc.deped.gov.ph).

Jem Beryline S. Bualat

Project Development Officer II

More than a month ago, the LCC Secretariat (LCCS) hosted the 2021 LCC Research Symposium via Microsoft Teams which was also simultaneously broadcasted in DepEd’s and LCC’s Facebook Pages. On December 2-3, 2021, the said event was well-attended by researchers who were recognized as finalists in response to LCC’s Call for Papers on Literacy dated August 7, 2020 through DepEd Memorandum (DM-CI-2020-00194) nationwide. One of the highlights of the virtual symposium was the Awarding of Certificates to the eighty-five (85) research papers and their respective researchers through an Audio-Visual Presentation. The said research papers and researchers were celebrated for their notable contributions to research and continuity of literacy in spite of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Aside from the issuance of the certificates, a cash incentive amounting to Php30,000.00 (inclusive of tax) for each recognized research paper was also announced to be awarded to the lead researchers or officially designated recipients of the said prize. As of this writing, the cash prizes are still being processed and are anticipated to be completed within the first quarter of 2022. The said incentive was one of the Council’s initiatives to honor the researches on literacy at the grassroots level and to boost their pertinent activities and impact especially in the local communities.

The awarded research studies revolved around the themes of: 1) Alternative Learning Delivery Modalities (e.g. Distance Learning such as Modular, Online, TV/Radio-based Instruction; Blended Learning; and Homeschooling) in Times of Crisis; 2) Impact of Stakeholder Participation or Support to Effective Literacy Program Implementation through the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act; and 3) Community-Based Literacy Programs Implemented in Times of Crisis.

On Day 1, Dr. Diosdado M. San Antonio, DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction, and Secretary’s Permanent Representative to the Council, welcomed the participants through his message while Dr. Bert J. Tuga, President of the Philippine Normal University, the Lead Member Agency for Research, delivered his Opening Remarks. Afterwards, Ms. Aurea Jean A. Abad, Technical Working Group (TWG) Member, presented the first set of research presenters from Regions VII, CALABARZON and MIMAROPA, namely: Dr. Bobby M. Cabangon, Dr. Karheena E. Adriano and Ms. Veronica M. Faigao, respectively, during the Plenary I. Ms. Josephine L. Babaran from the Philippine Information Agency then introduced the next research speakers from Regions CALABARZON and XI. They were Ms.  Maria Ghea C. Mohammad, Mr. Jucell J. Lauron and Dr. Reymund M. Ferry, respectively. Ms. Evelyn A. Castro from the Department of the Interior and Local Government served as the Master of Ceremonies for the said date.

On the other hand, Mr. Ronald P. Del Rosario hosted the Day 2 of the said virtual symposium. After the preliminaries, Ms. May A. Cinco, TWG Member, shared the introduction for the last set of research presenters.  On Plenary III, Dr. Ray Butch D. Mahinay, Dr. Bienvinido E. Infante and Ms. Shirley D. Velasco represented Regions X, XI and CALABARZON, respectively. Each plenary since Day 1 was always concluded with an Open Forum facilitated by the same presenter of resource persons.

On the latter part of the program for Day 2, Ms. Jem Beryline S. Bualat, LCCS’ focal person for Policy Research and Development, shared the next steps for the virtual research symposium. The program then highlighted the Awarding of Certificates for the following: 1) Research Presenters for Day 1 and 2, 2) Program Committee Members, and the 3) 85 Research Papers and their Researchers recognized as symposium finalists and recipients of LCC’s cash incentive mentioned above. Lastly, the summary of policy recommendations culled from the plenaries was presented by Mr. Nemesio O. Malatamban III from the House of Representatives while the Closing Remarks was delivered by Mr. Enrico R. Mendoza, Head of LCCS.

The LCCS would like to thank once again all researchers from DepEd, Local Government Unit, Nongovernment Organizations and other interested parties for joining LCC’s first virtual research symposium. We also highly appreciate the immense support extended by the DepEd’s technical team, the Public Affairs Service, and the Information and Communications Technology Service, and the Council Members.

Cash incentives intended to be received by the researchers in recognition of their efforts are currently being processed and will be released on or before March 2022.

Stay tuned for the next conduct of research symposium to be announced through official communication and via LCC Facebook Page at this link.

To view and download the research presentations, along with the list of presented topics and their  respective presenters for each plenary, kindly click “Presentations” from this link.

To get a copy of the Summary of Policy Recommendations, please check here.

To watch the AVP featuring the 85 Awarded Research Papers and the recorded 2-day virtual research symposium, click “Documentation” here.

Other Photo Opportunities taken by the participants during the virtual 2-day LCC Research Symposium:

Jem Beryline S. Bualat

LCC Secretariat

The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization, Regional Centre for STEM Education, with support from Chevron Corporation in partnerships with SEAMEO RECSAM, CPRN, KSP, and TEDC, continued spearheading the Lecture Series on Introduction to Program Effectiveness Research which aims to provide a broad overview of how to conduct rigorous program effective research in education. The third topic of the said series was entitled “Lecture 3: Estimating and Interpreting Treatment Effects” held on October 8, 2021 via Zoom. Hosted by Ms. Yaoowalak Jittakoat, the webinar commenced at 6:00 (GMT +7 Bangkok Time) and was concluded with an estimated total number of 300 participants globally.

Dr. Brian Rowan, Emeritus Professor of Education, Emeritus Research Professor at Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, served as the main speaker for the said event. On the third installment of the lecture series, he focused on how to estimate and interpret various types of program effects in order to examine the confirmation status of a given program logic model. The focal point of his discussion was the conceptual understanding of the overall topic rather than a statistical analysis.

During Dr. Rowan’s talk, he defined the different kinds of treatment effects discussed in the causal inference literature, specifically the: (a) the intent to treat (ITT) effect; (b) the effect of actually receiving treatment (TOT); (c) conditional average treatment effects (CATE); and (d) the average causal mediation effect (ACME). He emphasized that these different treatment effects can be used to examine the confirmation status of a program logic model. Moreover, he provided demonstrations of these treatment effects for deeper understanding of the participants.

Dr. Rowan recalled the program effectiveness research as “examining of the confirmation status of a program logic model, where the logic model consists of a set of hypotheses about how a service delivery model (the processes then affect a set of final program outcomes.” He also added that program logic model for an intervention, through professional learning communities (PLCs), is used to improve student learning. This model has three components, namely: 1) a service delivery model defining the “treatment” to be given to enrolled units; 2) an implementation model that describes the expected response as a result of the treatment; and 3) a set of final outcomes the program targets to achieve at the end of the intervention.

During the open forum, Dr. Rowan instilled to the attendees that “When you (attendees) conduct a research, you work extensively for the missing data. You can never force someone to comply with research protocols. There are many ways of performing statistical estimation among variables in light of missing data.”

He also affirmed that “Interventions can be unique… It is the uniqueness of the set of services you deliver compared to the ones being delivered in the normal world.” In line with Assumption vs. Sample of Population in research works, he stated that the former is usually a sample of population and there is a larger population that would have been (but they were not included.) If one has a population of everyone, the parameter is generated and not just an estimate.” He ended his talk by reminding everyone to keep on collecting (relative data) even in time of non-compliance of the group in order to accomplish the set outcomes of the chosen intervention.

The last topic for the lecture series will focus on “How to Report on Program Impacts” anticipated to happen on October 22. Meanwhile, the first two topics were entitled “Some Logical Underpinnings of Program Effectiveness Research” and “Research Designs to Create Counterfeits” conducted on August 27 and September 9, 2021, respectively.

The LCC Secretariat expresses its appreciation to the organizers for their invitation and facilitation of a comprehensive and rich lecture series on program effectiveness research. Convergence such as this brings together different literacy stakeholders and research enthusiasts which indicates call for an action. Through this, the importance of data-driven interventions and boosting of research activities in the local communities are instilled to everyone yielding to a better nation building through the power of literacy.

Jem Beryline Bualat

On September 20, 2021, during the conduct of the 147th LCC Meeting held via Microsoft (MS) Teams, the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) officially issued LCC Resolution No. 01, s. 2021, entitled “Adopting the Guidelines on the Foundational Framework and Analytic Scoring Rubric for Exemplary Community-Based Literacy Programs and Engagement Developed by The Literacy Coordinating Council for Application, Dissemination, and Implementation at the Local Level.” Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Diosdado M. San Antonio, the LCC Chair presided over the approval of the Resolution, among other agenda items of the Council Meeting.

The said Resolution is a result of the completed research studies on literacy conducted by the LCC, through the Philippine Normal University. In order to translate the Framework and Analytic Scoring Rubric, or M&E Tool on Exemplary Community-Based Literacy Programs and Engagement into a policy, the Council has unanimously approved the issuance of the Resolution for national adoption and implementation.

Subsequent to this, a similar policy will also be issued by DepEd. The LCCS has already submitted the draft policy on its proposed national adoption of the Framework and M&E Tool through the issuance of a DepEd Order. This DepEd policy aims to provide guidance to all teachers implementing literacy programs at the community level and help ensure that the programs that they develop and manage are exemplary and at par with the standards set by the LCC. As of this writing, the DepEd Order is still awaiting approval.

Furthermore, a Memorandum Circular will also be issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government in congruence to the provisions of the Resolution. This national-level issuance is expected to yield maximum participation and support from the Local Government Units (LGU) in the conduct of their self-implemented local literacy programs.

In partnership with E-Net Philippines, ongoing coordination with Nongovernment Organizations (NGO) who are into literacy advocacy is also being initiated by the Secretariat to ensure that other private organizations adopt the standards.

Conduct of capacity building activities to literacy program implementers from DepEd, LGUs, and NGOs relative to the utilization of the Framework and M&E Tool in the succeeding Fiscal Years will also be spearheaded by the Council. Prior to this, orientation workshops on the said topics were already conducted to LGUs, NGOs, and some DepEd teachers on April 29, May 5 and 17, 2021 via MS Teams, simultaneously livestreamed via DepEd and LCC’s FB Pages.

Aside from this, the LCCS will be collaborating with the Council members in advocating the adoption of the Resolution through the development of pertinent Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials for use in their respective agencies. Meanwhile, the LCCS already prepared the infographics for the said Framework and M&E Tool which will be further promoted through LCC’s website and Facebook (FB) Page. The Secretariat will also closely coordinate with the DepEd’s Public Affairs Service for these materials to be featured in the Department’s digital and social media platforms.

The LCC hopes that this issuance would contribute to our efforts in achieving a zero illiterate Philippines.

The infographics for the Foundational Framework and Analytic Scoring Rubric may be viewed and downloaded at: https://lcc.deped.gov.ph/IEC_LCC Framework and Rubric while the copy of the signed resolution may be found at: https://lcc.deped.gov.ph/llap-lcc-resolutions/.

Jem Beryline Bualat

Project Development Officer II, LCCS

Focal Person, Policy Research and Development

Are you a literacy program administrator, implementer or partner at the local communities? Do you want to know if your community-based literacy program is exemplary and at par with the standards? What framework should you follow and what Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Tool should you use? 

Check out these infographics to learn how to develop and manage effective literacy programs at the community level.  To have a copy of the LCC’s Framework and Tool, please click these links: bit.ly/Final_LCC_Handbook and bit.ly/LCC_Rubric.

Jem Beryline Bualat

On May 17, 2021, the LCC Secretariat (LCCS) successfully concluded its series of orientation workshops in the Philippines with Visayas Cluster via Microsoft Teams. The Local Government Unit (LGU) and Nongovernment Organization (NGO) delegates from the said cluster took the opportunity to be capacitated on establishing exemplary literacy programs and projects at their local communities with the aid of the Foundational Framework and the Analytic Scoring Rubric developed by the LCC through the Philippine Normal University (PNU), the lead Council Member Agency for Research. Dr. Judy C. Bautista, Project Director of the said research project, covered the two pertinent topics while Dr. Boyet L. Batang and Dr. Leonora P. Varela moderated the discussion afterwards. Support and appreciation for the said literacy initiative poured out both from the MS Teams and online through DepEd’s and LCC’s  Facebook Pages.

During the open forum, one of the queries raised was on the legal basis for the establishment of local LCCs.  Mr. Enrico R. Mendoza, the LCCS Chief, mentioned that there have been legal bases issued as early as 2003 that encouraged LGUs in creating local LCCs. A DepEd Order entitled “Supplemental Provisions/Guidelines on the Strengthening of Local LCCs and Literacy Implementing Units (LIUs) was issued on March 25, 2003 as basis for the creation of local LCCs. (Reference: https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2003/04/DO_s2003_26.pdf). This issuance contained a copy of Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01, series 2003 made between and among DepEd, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and NEDA. The DILG also issued its own Memorandum Circular No. 2007-155 also on the Creation and Strengthening of LCCs/LIUs. (Reference: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/PDF_File/issuances/memo_circulars/MC2007-155.pdf)

Mr. Mendoza expressed the LCCS’ willingness in providing technical assistance to LGUs in creating and strengthening of their local LCCs. He also happily informed everyone that a manual containing pertinent information is currently being crafted which is hopefully to be completed within the year. For the meantime, guidelines on this can be found at the LCC website: https://lcc.deped.gov.ph/faqs/how-do-we-create-a-local-literacy-coordinating-council/.

The LCC head also thanked the LGUs for supporting the Department of Education and implementing their own literacy programs for the disabled, elderly, out-of-school youth and adults, as well as afterschool programs and learning opportunities at the barangay or municipal level that contribute greatly to the achievement of our country’s increased literacy rates.

During the discussions, Dr. Bautista clarified that the Analytic Scoring Rubric was not specific to an age or ethnolinguistic group. It was designed to be general and encompassing so that the tool will fit to whatever literacy needs the communities may have, whether for children or adults. Moreover, the research team is also in the process of drafting a policy based on the two (2) research projects and the Analytic Scoring Rubric. The team already had initial consultation meetings, including with DepEd’s ALS Task Force. The finalization and approval of the proposed national policy is anticipated to be completed within the year for the adoption of the framework and monitoring and evaluation tool at the grassroots level through DepEd’s Alternative Learning System. Dr. Bautista informed the participants that they may access the full technical reports at: https://lcc.deped.gov.ph/research-on-literacy/ or at the official website of the Philippine Normal University.

The LCC Secretariat would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to PNU, DepED Public Affairs Service (PAS), DepED Information and Communications Technology Service (ICTS), as well as to all LGUs and NGOs all over the Philippines who actively participated via MS Teams and Facebook, for making this event a resounding success!