On March 25–28, 2025, the Department of Education (DepEd), through the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC), successfully conducted the Regional Capacity Building on LCC Localization at the DepEd Ecotech Center in Lahug, Cebu City!
Bringing together local government unit (LGU) representatives and select DepEd Alternative Learning System (ALS) focal persons from across the Visayas region, the four-day event was designed to capacitate LGUs to establish and strengthen Local Literacy Councils (LLCs) and implement inclusive, data-driven, and sustainable literacy programs in their communities.
Resource speakers shared best practices, policy frameworks, and strategic tools to localize literacy initiatives effectively. Highlights included inspiring success stories from Bacnotan, La Union, and Ormoc City, showcasing how collaboration and commitment can lead to real progress in literacy development.
Participants engaged in action planning workshops, interactive sessions, and rich discussions focused on community engagement, strategic communication, and cross-sector partnerships—all anchored in the goal of universalizing literacy across the country.
We thank all our partners, resource speakers, and participants who continue to champion literacy in every city, municipality, and barangay. Together, let us make every Filipino literate!
Pasig City, 14 April 2025 – The World Literacy Foundation recognizes individuals and organizations for their outstanding endeavors that promote literacy learning through the World Literacy Awards. The Awards are an initiative of the World Literacy Foundation, a peak global literacy charity and the World Literacy Council. One of the categories of the awards is “Significant Contribution to Literacy by a Nation,” being bestowed upon a government entity for its outstanding government policies and improvements in literacy and education.
This year, the World Literacy Foundation gave this award to the Philippines. A special recognition was given to the Department of Education’s Literacy Coordinating Council for its recent establishment of 300 local literacy centers across 1,634 cities and municipalities nationwide. On behalf of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. accepted the award at an awarding ceremony held in Oxford, United Kingdom on April 7, 2025. The Philippines was the only country honored at this year’s ceremony, underscoring the international recognition of its national efforts to improve literacy.
Photo courtesy of the World Literacy Foundation
“We are honored by this recognition…, which affirms what we’ve long believed – literacy thrives when communities lead. Thanks to the Literacy Coordinating Council, over 300 local literacy centers are now turning education initiatives to lasting change. With the continued support from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and our partner agencies, we aim to bring this momentum to every city and municipality, building a more informed and future-ready Philippines,” says Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
The LCC was commended for its strong advocacy and support in the establishment of local literacy councils in cities and municipalities across the country, through its localization program. These local councils serve as local governance mechanisms that ensure literacy programs are implemented in ways that are tailored to the unique needs of each community. One of the most significant contributions of these local councils is the establishment of community learning centers. These centers act as hubs for non-formal education and community-based literacy programs. Depending on the locality, they are known by various names such as reading centers, Alternative Learning System (ALS) centers, and learning hubs, but all serve the common goal of empowering learners through accessible, relevant, and quality education services.
To date, there are more than 300 active local literacy councils operating throughout the Philippines. These councils vary in structure and size but are united in their commitment to improving literacy and education outcomes within their respective communities. Their efforts include:
• Coordinating literacy campaigns and education drives
• Mobilizing community participation and local resources
• Partnering with local schools, NGOs, government agencies, and the private sector
• Establishing and maintaining community learning centers
• Supporting literacy mapping and data collection
• Implementing community-based literacy programs
These grassroots mechanisms allow literacy programs to be implemented with a deeper understanding of local context and culture, making interventions more effective and sustainable.
In a show of sustained commitment to celebrating grassroots literacy champions, the LCC also leads the National Literacy Awards (NLA)—a biennial recognition program that honors outstanding Local Government Units (LGUs) and literacy workers who have demonstrated innovation and dedication in implementing literacy initiatives.
Through the NLA, LGUs with active and effective local literacy councils are spotlighted and rewarded for their contributions to national development through education. This recognition not only boosts morale but also encourages other LGUs to invest in and prioritize literacy programming.
Photo courtesy of the Department of Foreign Affairs
DepEd warmly welcomes the international recognition accorded to the Philippines through the World Literacy Award. This highlights the collective efforts of the Literacy Coordinating Council in promoting inclusive, community-based education. We thank the World Literacy Foundation and remain committed to reaching every Filipino learner and building a more literate, empowered nation.
With the support local chief executives and the whole community, we hope to reach more cities and municipalities and encourage them to put up their own local councils and establish more literacy centers.
DepEd, DILG Reinforce Creation of Local Literacy Councils in LGUs
Pasig City, Philippines – As part of their continued effort to support the Literacy Coordinating Council’s (LCC) mandate to boost literacy efforts across the country, the Department of Education (DepEd), under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Angara, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), headed by Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla, officially signed Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, Series of 2024, titled “Creation, Reconstitution, and Strengthening of Local Literacy Councils at the City and Municipal Levels”.
The JMC, which took effect on February 27, 2025, provides key guidelines and procedures in creating, reconstituting, and strengthening Local Literacy Councils (LLCs) at the city and municipal levels. It also enumerates the roles and responsibilities of DILG and DepEd in the establishment of LLCs, and outlines the LLCs’ powers and functions.
All local government units (LGUs) nationwide are enjoined to establish or strengthen their own LLC in line with the guidelines set forth in the JMC.
Twice in a Row, LCC spreads Its Cause on National Television and Radio Programs
The Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) member and representative participated in radio and TV guesting held last January 13 and 16, 2025, respectively.
LCC member representative, Mr. Juan Carlo Medina, Executive Director of Synergeia Foundation and one of the 2024 National Literacy Awards (NLA) Board of Evaluators (BOE) under Outstanding Local Government Unit (LGU) – 1st-3rd Class Municipality category guested in Radyo Pilipinas, Tinig ng Masa segment last January 13, 2025. Mr. Medina explained that the LCC’s function is like a Sanggunian, crafting policies to enhance the literacy rate in the country, which the government implements. The LCC also encourages LGUs to participate in the NLA by submitting their entries. In 2024, shortlisted regional entries in the national selection committee were validated over five weeks.
The BOEs meticulously evaluated the projects and programs of LGUs in the top five per category namely: Outstanding Literacy Program, Highly Urbanized Cities (HUCs) and Independent Component Cities (ICCs), Component Cities, 1st-3rd Class Municipalities, and 4th-6th Class Municipalities. Validation involved interviews with beneficiaries, program managers and implementers to verify the entries’ authenticity and effectiveness.
Mr. Medina proudly shared the winners of the 2024 NLA:
Outstanding Literacy Program category: Integrated Child’s Rights and Literacy Development by Stairway Foundation, Inc.
Highly Urbanized Cities and Independent Component Cities category: Butuan City and Valenzuela City
Component City category: Sorsogon City
1st-3rd Class Municipality category: Bacnotan, La Union
4th-6th Class Municipality category: Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte
He highlighted that the NLA is held biennially and recognizes the efforts of LGUs in addressing literacy challenges. The process begins with LGUs filling out nomination forms and submitting them to DepEd Regional offices, which screen and forward the top five entries per category to the LCC Secretariat subject for validation.
Mr. Medina emphasized the importance of collaboration in literacy initiatives. He advised LGUs to showcase measurable outcomes and community involvement in their programs, as these aspects are crucial for validation by the BOEs. The LCC encourages LGUs to localize its initiatives and provides a repository of best practices on its website and Facebook page, enabling other communities to replicate successful literacy projects.
Regarding the challenges faced during judging, Mr. Medina noted the diversity of projects across sectors. The BOEs focused on measurable results, such as pre- and post-test data, and conducted interviews with stakeholders and beneficiaries to assess the projects’ impact. Ultimately, the evaluation centered on the tangible improvements brought about by each initiative.
On January 16, 2025, LCC member Congressman Roman Romulo, Chairperson of the Committee on Basic Education and Culture from the House of Representatives guested on PTV’s Rise and Shine Pilipinas. Below are the salient points from his TV guesting:
Status of Education in the Philippines
Congressman Romulo provided an overview of the current state of education, noting the establishment of Education Commission – EDCOM 2 in recent years to improve the quality of education. This initiative is a collaboration among the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Department of Education (DepEd). He acknowledged that while many laws and regulations have already been created to reform the education sector, some changes require more time to see their full impact.
Contributions to the Education Sector
As a government official, Congressman Romulo shared his efforts to improve education in the Philippines, focusing on the following:
Competency Reduction: He emphasized the need for DepEd to streamline learners’ competencies, shifting the focus to basic and functional literacy, including reading comprehension, basic mathematics, sciences, and Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC).
Functional Literacy: He stressed that reading comprehension is more than just the ability to read; it involves understanding the text. He remarked that Filipinos are naturally intelligent but need support to strengthen their reading comprehension skills.
Cyberbullying and Mental Health: Congressman Romulo highlighted President Marcos’ signing of a law to promote students’ mental health. He noted the addition of teaching and non-teaching personnel, including guidance counselors in DepEd to support mental health initiatives and ensure students receive the necessary guidance to strengthen their moral fiber.
The Literacy Coordinating Council
Congressman Romulo explained the role of LCC in promoting literacy in the country:
Mandate: Under RA 9155, DepEd is tasked with forming national education policies that cover both formal and non-formal education. The law was amended in 2010 to prioritize local communities, aiming to achieve universal literacy by ensuring every Filipino attains basic and functional literacy at the community level.
Programs and Initiatives: LCC prepares programs that encourage LGUs to improve literacy levels in their localities. One key initiative is recognizing LGUs’ best practices in literacy through awards. These efforts aim to showcase and encourage the replication of successful programs that promote literacy either in arts, culture, history, or any in other aspect.
Collaboration with LGUs: Congressman Romulo highlighted LCC’s efforts to support and celebrate LGU initiatives that contribute to the literacy landscape. By sharing best practices, the Council aims to inspire other communities to implement similar programs.
Congressman Romulo concluded by emphasizing that the LCC remains committed to its mission of advancing literacy and education in partnership with LGUs and other stakeholders.
Hail to the 2024 National Literacy Awards Winners!
The Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) recognizes the contributions of local government units (LGUs) and non-government organizations (NGOs) across the nation through the National Literacy Awards (NLA) where outstanding literacy programs, practices, and accomplishments that contribute in addressing literacy gaps are recognized. This initiative also serves as a platform to strengthen partnerships and collaboration with key stakeholders, promote community-based literacy initiatives, and gather valuable insights to shape policies aimed at advancing education for all and achieving universalized literacy. This year, public schools and Alternative Learning Systems (ALS) Community Learning Centers (CLCs) have been included in the Search.
The 2024 NLA Awarding Ceremonies took place on December 12, 2024 at the Waterworld Hotel in Mandaue City, Cebu. This event also featured the conferment of the 2022 National Literacy Awards plaques, including the Special Award of Excellence in Literacy (SAEL) markers to the winners.
The Literacy Coordinating Council Secretariat (LCCS) successfully held the Local Literacy Councils Summit from November 27 to 29, 2024, at Lime Hotel & Resorts in Pasay City. The event, with the theme “Building a Community of Literacy Champions, Celebrating Wins” brought together over 140 local government units (LGUs) and literacy advocates from various national government agencies (NGAs) and non-government organizations (NGOs). The summit’s primary goal was to foster a community of literacy advocates and exchange best practices for establishing and enhancing Local Literacy Councils. It also served as a platform for stakeholders to share feedback and propose policies to support the LCC Localization Program, which seeks to engage more partners in making every Filipino literate.
Councilor Antonino Calixto of Pasay City delivered a warm welcome on behalf of Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano at the event. Consequently, Asec. Janir Ty Datukan, DepEd Assistant Secretary for Curriculum and Teaching stated the purpose of the activity. He enjoined the participants to leverage the insights that they will have during the three-day summit to advocate literacy initiatives at the grassroots level.
Councilor Antonino Calixto
Pasay City Councilor
Asec. Janir Ty Datukan
Department of Education
Assistant Secretary for Curriculum and Teaching
Among the DepEd Regional Alternative Learning System (ALS) Focal Persons were Dr. Antonio V. Laceste from Region I, Dr. Jean S. Lasquite from Region IV-B, and Dr. Maricel S. Langahid from Region XI, who participated in plenary sessions. Notable presentations included those from Mayor Maria Ester Escasa-Hamor of Sorsogon City, Mayor Divine Fontanilla of Bacnotan, La Union, and representatives from Balanga, Bataan, and Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte. Dr. Milwida M. Guevarra, President and CEO of Synergeia Foundation, one of the LCC Council members, delivered a presentation emphasizing the critical role of LGUs in creating sustainable grassroots change to uplift community quality of life. Regional Alternative Learning System (ALS) Focal Persons showcased best practices through a gallery walk, with LGU delegates from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao sharing their initiatives.
Representatives from LCC member agencies, including the Philippine Information Agency, Philippine Normal University, the Senate of the Philippines, the House of Representatives, and Synergeia Foundation, facilitated open forums following each presentation.
Participants actively engaged in discussions, offering insights and voicing their concerns and needs regarding their literacy programs. The summit concluded with a vibrant celebration, marking the formation of a strong network of literacy champions committed to advancing literacy initiatives nationwide.
The LCC Secretariat also wishes to extend its gratitude to Pasay City LGU for allowing Pasay City West High School to present a spectacular cultural performance during the Opening Program.
DepEd Assistant Secretary Janir Ty Datukan Graces the LCC’s Midyear Performance Review
June 28, 2024 – Quezon City. ASec Janir TY Datukan, Department of Education’s (DepEd) Assistant Secretary for Curriculum and Teaching – Education Assessment and Alternative Education joined the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) in its recently concluded 2024 Midyear Performance Review at the Great Eastern Hotel in Quezon City. In his inspirational message, ASec Janir underscored the role of the Council by saying that “there is a lot of work ahead, we have to dream big, we have to carry with us this burden, to really ensure that literacy gets to the grassroots level, especially to those people who are in need.”
The event which was held from June 25-28, 2024 aimed to assess the Council’s progress towards its implementation of programs and projects for the first two quarters of FY 2024; prepare for the Q3-Q4 activities of 2024; and build camaraderie among its LCC member representatives, Technical Working Group (TWG) and LCC Secretariat. Representatives from key organizations such as the Philippine Information Agency, Philippine Senate, National Economic and Development Authority, Philippine Normal University, and Synergeia Foundation participated in this three-day workshop.
Throughout the workshops, participants presented LCC’s accomplishments vis-à-vis the LCC Roadmap and Annual Implementation Plan and discussed how their respective agencies can better support the Council’s efforts. There was a strong commitment to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, recognizing the importance of effective relationships in fulfilling the LCC’s mandate.
Another highlight of the workshop is the LCC Learning Session where the invited resource person from the Bureau of Curriculum Development, Ms. Mildred Zamar shared insights on the integration of the Madrasah Education into the K-12 curriculum, emphasizing the importance of inclusive reforms in the education sector. She also highlighted the significance of fostering a strong community with diverse personalities in the workplace. During her session, participants explored their unique personalities through a personality test and engaged in a teambuilding activity designed to underscore the value of unity amidst diversity.
Mildred B. Zamar
Supervising Education Program Specialist
DepEd Bureau of Curriculum Development
Overall, the event was seen as insightful and productive, fostering a sense of camaraderie among participants while reaffirming their dedication to advancing literacy across the country.
PIA Hosts the TWG Meeting
on the Development of the LCC M&E System
Quezon City – The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) hosted the Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting held on June 3, 2024 where the development of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) System of the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) was discussed.
PIA’s Director-General, DG Jose A. Torres Jr., and DDG Katherine Chloe S. De Castro, the Deputy Director-General for Creative Communications and External Affairs graced the event with their valuable presence.
The TWG meeting focused on the review and discussion of the LCC’s draft M&E system document which was initially developed during a workshop conducted at the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP) in Malvar, Batangas last March 5 to 8, 2024. This draft includes the legal bases, context, and purpose of M&E, highlighting its pivotal role in universalizing literacy in the country. The resource persons also discussed the logic model and project life cycle, which serve as the foundation for crafting the M&E system. A mini-workshop was also facilitated in order to review the LCC’s 5 program pillars that feature the Council’s programs, projects, and activities and determine what needs to be monitored and evaluated. Initial workshop outputs were presented per program pillar where the resource persons provided feedback and tasked the participants to further refine their submissions. They also gave insights on how to specify the indicators and means of verification per project under each program. The operational terms in the Logical Framework such as inputs, activity, output, outcome, and impact were also discussed to paint a clearer picture of how the log frame works. Information from the LCC Roadmap and Annual Implementation Plan were also considered to be incorporated into existing outputs.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr. Enrico R. Mendoza, Head of the LCC Secretariat expressed his gratitude and commendation to all the participants for their significant contribution to the development of LCC’s M&E system, as well as the resource persons and the host LCC member agency, which will certainly create a positive impact on the LCC Secretariat’s overall service delivery.
The TWG Meeting was participated in by Ms. Ada Claudette Enriquez (House of Representatives), Ms. Josephine L. Babaran (Philippine Information Agency), Dr. Heidi B. Macahilig (Philippine Normal University), Ms. Evelyn Relor (Policy Research and Development Division, DepEd), Ms. Anna Lourdes Abad Falcon (Bureau of Alternative Education, DepEd). Resource Persons, Ms. Miriam Coprado and Ms. Jean Abad, facilitated the conduct of the mini-workshops. The LCC Secretariat organized and also participated in the said meeting.
The Department of Education and the LCC Secretariat extend their profound appreciation to the PIA for hosting this significant event!
LCC GEARS UP: PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY FOR THE UPCOMING 2024 NATIONAL LITERACY CONFERENCE
Attendees of the Planning Meeting for the 2024 National Literacy Conference (left to right): (1) Ms. Aurea Jean A. Abad, LCC-TWG Member; (2) Ms. Gemma R. Macatangay, DILG; (3) Ms. Maria Cristina Marquez, DepEd – Bureau of Alternative Education; (4) Ms. Josephine L. Babaran and (5) Mr. Sixto Paulo Agato of the Philippine Information Agency; (6) Mr. Adnan Ahmad, Senate of the Philippines; (7) Dr. Milwilda M. Guevara, Synergeia Foundation; (8) Mr. Enrico R. Mendoza, Head of the LCC Secretariat, (9) Ms. Rossan C. Ignacio, LCC Secretariat, and (10) Ms. Marikka P. Mampusti of the LCC Secretariat, focal person for the conduct of the 2024 National Literacy Conference.
To commence the preparation for this year’s National Literacy Conference that will be held on September 3-6, the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) has convened its Technical Working Group (TWG) composed of the member representatives of the Council to draft the theme and objectives of the annual conference last May 16, 2024.
The National Literacy Conference aims to reinforce advocacy initiatives and expand the social mobilization network system on literacy. This Conference is one of the activities of the LCC being conducted annually in celebration of the annual Literacy Week, as stipulated in Presidential Proclamation No. 239, s. 1993 titled Declaring the Period from September 2 to 8 of Every Year as Literacy Week and the DepEd Memorandum No. 072, s. 2019 titled Annual Celebration of the Literacy Week.
The said meeting was attended by representatives from the LCC Secretariat and those coming from the member agencies of the Council, namely the Department of Education – Bureau of Alternative Education; Department of the Interior and Local Government; Philippine Information Agency; Senate of the Philippines – Office of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian; and Synergeia Foundation.
The meeting adjourned with an identified theme and sub-themes as well as possible resource speakers of the 2024 National Literacy Conference. Moving forward, the LCC Secretariat will finalize the output of the meeting which will be subjected to review and vetting of the member agencies. Once approved, a DepEd Memorandum providing the details for the conduct of the 2024 NatLitCon shall be issued. The LCC also anticipates the success of this year’s Conference with DepEd Region X as its host region.
Throughout the years, LCC’s National Literacy Conference has served as a venue for literacy keyholders to converse and partake in crafting policy recommendations that will improve the literacy situation in the country. As we live up to the Council’s mission, we believe that with your help, the goal of universalizing literacy in the country is within reach.
LCC Secretariat staff participate in DepEd LINANG Kick-Off Activity
The Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) Secretariat staff actively participated in DepEd’s “Learning Interventions for Navigating Advancements and Nurturing Growth (LINANG)”Program Kick-off activity, spearheaded by DepEd’s Bureau of Human Resource and Organizational Development Division (BHROD) on May 15, 2024 at the Bulwagan ng Karunungan, DepEd Complex, Pasig City, and livestreamed via MS Teams. The successful event aimed to launch DepEd’s course offerings for its Central Office teaching and non-teaching personnel, bearing the theme “Cultivate, Elevate, and Motivate.”
For the in-house LINANG programs for Fiscal Year 2024, 30 slots per batch have been opened for both permanent and contract of service personnel. The topics include: Work Orientation on Values and Ethics; Training-Workshop on Completed Staff Work; and Advanced Communication Skills Workshop.
Additionally, a separate issuance will be released for External L&D Interventions (ELD) and the Post Graduate Certificate in Management for Education Leaders by the Asian Institute of Management (AIM).
Resource persons Ms. Cecille A. Anyayahan, Project Development Officer V, BHROD-Human Resource Development Division, and Mr. Audie B. Masigan, who discussed “Learning and Development for Self and Professional Development,” powerfully inspired the participants. They highlighted the importance of leadership in professional development and encouraged proactive participation in upcoming Learning and Development programs of the Bureau. Mr. Masigan emphasized leveraging these opportunities for professional growth and aligning with the Department’s quality standards.
The salient points on Leadership shared by Mr. Masigan are shown here.
Meanwhile, Ms. Anyayahan informed the participants of the rationale and purpose of the activity in accordance to DepEd’s mandate.
With this empowering activity, the LCC Secretariat staff are ready to embark on new skills development training that would better prepare them for the tasks at hand.