QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — Vigan City Mayor Juan Carlo Medina on Monday urged local government units (LGUs) to share their best practices through the National Literacy Award (NLA), a biannual event that recognizes outstanding local government units, non-government organizations, public schools, and ALS Community Learning Centers, in their pivotal roles in promoting literacy across various sectors.
“For LGUs aiming to participate, it is crucial to highlight community collaboration and demonstrate measurable improvements in literacy,” he advised during the weekly Impormasyon at Aksyon sa Bagong Pilipinas radio program being presented by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and hosted by PIA-National Capital Region Director Emver P. Cortez and Information Officer Jenny Red.
The NLA recognizes outstanding literacy programs across four categories: Highly Urbanized Cities (HUC) and Independent Component Cities (ICC), Component Cities, First to Third Class Municipalities, and Fourth to Sixth Class Municipalities. Medina announced the winners: Valenzuela City and Butuan City tied for HUC and ICC; Sorsogon City won for Component City; Bacnotan, La Union for First to Third Class Municipalities; and Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte for Fourth to Sixth Class Municipalities.
He also praised the increased participation from the LGUs, noting that the recent award cycle saw involvement from 11 out of 18 regions, with a rigorous site validation process for shortlisted municipalities.
“Judging the projects was challenging yet rewarding. We aimed to validate the submitted initiatives rather than seek out shortcomings,” he explained.
Medina served as the guest speaker for the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC), emphasizing the organization’s pivotal role in promoting literacy in nationwide.
The LCC functions as an advisory and coordinating body, akin to a local council that formulates ordinances to guide government agencies in their literacy initiatives.
“The LCC is dedicated to enhancing policies and programs that benefit literacy,” he said. “We work collaboratively to ensure that our community’s literacy needs are met.”
Medina also advised LGUs to localize their activities and to leverage successful initiatives from other regions.
“It is often easier to replicate effective practices than to create new ones. We encourage LGUs to engage their communities and utilize available resources,” he said.
The NLA occurs every two years, with the next validation set for 2026. Medina encouraged interested groups to prepare for the nomination process, which will be announced via a memo from the LCC through the Department of Education (DepEd).
Each LGU will need to complete a nomination form, which will be evaluated by regional offices.
For more information, please follow the official social media pages of the LCC: facebook.com/LiteracyCoordinatingCouncil. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
