The Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) officially launched its first-ever LCC Coffee Table Book (CTB) on December 6, 2019 at Robbinsdale Residences, Quezon City, with a theme “LCC Treasury of Inspiring Stories: Passion for Literacy.” The book features fourteen (14) real-life success stories of Local Government Units (LGUs), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and DepEd Initiated Literacy Programs.
According to Dr. Melinda T. Quiñones during her welcome remarks, Coffee Table Book is an advocacy project of LCC aiming to contribute to the goal realization of universalizing literacy in the country through public awareness and to institutionalize literacy efforts of various implementers through appropriate recognition. The launch also encourages the development and replication of literacy programs promoting the welfare of indigenous communities.
Dr. Girlie E. Amarillo, member of CTB Validating Team, discussed the Selection Guidelines and Validation Process of the development of the LCC Coffee Table Book. Among the validation activities facilitated were the Call for Entries for Success Stories on Literacy; Workshop on the Evaluation and Selection of Entries; Validation Workshops; and Layout and Procurement for Printing and Delivery of the LCC Coffee Table Book. Entries were categorized as success stories of learners or beneficiaries of a literacy program, or success stories of literacy projects initiated by DepEd, LGU or NGO. The submitted entries were chosen based on criteria for evaluation, including theme relevance, intervention strategies, story inspiration and literacy impact. These entries were validated by the LCC Secretariat, Council Members, and other CTB Validators.
Out of forty-two (42) entries, only fourteen (14) were chosen. Three (3) of these chosen entries had the opportunity to share their validated success stories which was introduced by Ms. Aurea Jean A. Abad. Ms. Lea V. Faa of the City Schools Division of Manila, discussed DepEd’s project “ALS Eskwela sa Bawat Brigada Dala ay Pag-Asa.” This was followed by an inspirational story of “LAYAG Cuyo” shared by Mr. Ramil F. Ceralbo from Cuyo, Palawan. Finally, Ms. Catherine P. Alarzar of the Schools Division of Camarines Sur proudly presented their project called “Bangkarunungan: Yellow Boat of Hope (YBH) Now Sails in Caramoan Peninsula.”
The main highlight of the activity is the unveiling of LCC’s first-ever Coffee Table Book by present Council Members Dr. Heidi B. Macahilig of Philippine Normal University, Mr. Adnan P. Ahmad of Philippine Senate, Dr. Melinda T. Quiñones of Philippine Information Agency, and Mr. Zaldy I. Masangkay of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
Plaques of Recognition were awarded to Winners to acknowledge their efforts. CTB Evaluators and Validators Mr. Girlie E. Amarillo; Ms. Aurea Jean A. Abad; Ms. Josephine Intino; Ms. Teresita D. Tetangco; Ms. Emma D. Gregorio; and Ms. Ehcel S. Hurna were also recognized. The CTB Launch was finally concluded by a message delivered by Mr. Enrico R. Mendoza, LCC Secretariat Chief, “May we all continue to ignite and share our Passion for Literacy!”
The master of ceremonies is Dr. Celia M. Ilanan of Philippine Normal University. A copy of the LCC CTB may soon be viewed and uploaded at the LCC website.
