NLA returns to honor persons, institutions involved in literacy work

2008/02/05

NLA returns to honor persons, institutions involved in literacy work

by Lyndon Plantilla

Quezon City (5 February) -- The Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) is bringing back the National Literacy Awards (NLA) to recognize individual and institutional efforts that boosted literacy in disadvantaged communities.

NLA was launched today at the SEAMEO INNOTECH in Quezon City. The launching was attended by Former Senator Santanina Rasul, House Basic Education Committee Chairman Del R. De Guzman, Education Undersecretary Ramon Bacani, Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Austere Panadero and other stakeholders from government and private agencies.

LCC is a creation of Republic Act No. 7165 Series of 1991 which was penned by Rasul. It is composed of representatives from the Department of Education, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the National Economic and Development Authority, the Philippine Information Agency, the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Philippine Normal University, and non-government organizations. The council serves as the over-all advisory and coordinating body in providing policy and program directions as well as recommends strategies on the development of mass movements for the total eradication of illiteracy.

The NLA has become LCCĒs primary advocacy since 1994 and has given various awards to a great number of persons, organizations and local governments that have provided and sustained literacy programs to improve the functional literacy of their beneficiaries or constituencies.

Functional literacy is defined as the range of skills and competencies that enables persons to develop their potentials, make critical and informed decisions and work effectively within their society. Some indicators of functional literacy include the personĒs ability to express ideas orally and non-verbally, the ability to read and comprehend, the skills of counting and computing and the capacity to earn a living.

The Philippine government is aiming for a 50% reduction in adult illiteracy by 2015.

NLAĒs previous awardees include Ms. Elvera Angelical who taught and organized adults and children in Ata Mandaya, Ata Manobo and Dibabawon in Compostela Valley; the local government of Antipolo that has established literacy programs for Dumagats, tricycle operators and drivers and farm workers; Cagayan De Oro City for incorporating its education program into the Madrasah system and the officers and staff of the 63rd Infantry Battalion (under the 8th Infantry Division) implemented the Army Literacy Patrol System which gave livelihood programs in Catarman, Northern Samar. (PIA)

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