Awards program to promote literacy opens nomination

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) has opened the nominations for the 2010 National Literacy Awards (NLA).

DepEd, through its Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC), will again hold the biennial awards program as they pursue efforts to promote literacy, especially adult literacy.

The NLA, held every two years, is a major activity that serves as a venue for DepEd to recognize individuals, institutions, and local government units with outstanding literacy programs in their communities. The literacy drive was in line with the United Nations’ Literacy Decade goal of reducing adult illiteracy rate by 50 percent by 2015.

“For 12 years now we have noted an increasing number of awardees as well as institutions and individuals who want to involve themselves in literacy development,” said Education Secretary Mona Valisno.

The said literacy awards aims to make literacy universal in the country by creating public awareness and encouraging the development and replication of innovative, creative, and indigenous literacy programs in the community.

Moreover, it intends to transform learners into a more productive and more responsible community members.

The NLA Awards has two main categories – Outstanding Literacy Program and Outstanding Local Government Unit.

The outstanding literacy program award is given to a literacy program implemented by a non-government or civic organization or academic institution, which has evident positive impact on the learners and the community.

On the other hand, the outstanding local government unit (LGU) award is given to a local government unit which has developed policies, programs, and projects conducive to literacy development and which program has made a positive impact on the barangays and the quality of life of the people.

Submission of all regional nominees to the Literacy Coordinating Council Secretariat should not be later than May 6, 2010.