By Merlina Hernando-Malipot
To generate awareness and appreciation of literacy program and projects among educators, learners, stakeholders, and the community, the Department of Education (DepEd) will spearhead this year’s celebration of the “Literacy Week.”
DepEd Sec. Leonor Briones (MB PHOTO/FEDERICO CRUZ / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
Education Secretary Leonor Briones, in DepEd Memorandum 79 series of 2018, announced that DepEd— in coordination with the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) – will celebrate the 2018 Literacy Week from September 2 to 8.
The annual “Literacy Week” is celebrated every year as stipulated in Presidential Proclamation 239 series of 1993 entitled “Declaring the Period from September 2 to 8 of Every Year as Literacy Week” and the UNESCO Proclamation in 1996 that September 8 be celebrated as International Literacy Day from 1996 onwards.
Briones said the DepEd, through the LCC and in coordination with other government organizations (GOs), local government units (LGUs), private organizations (POs), and nongovernment organizations (NGOs) will celebrate the weeklong event.
The 2018 Literacy Week, Briones said, also aims to “highlight the role of education in the eradication of illiteracy” and to “create interest and understanding of issues and concerns related to literacy among various sectors.”
The celebration, Briones said, also aims to “develop and sustain a critical mass of social mobilizers, advocates and supporters of literacy” and “recognize those who have dedicated their life’s work to reaching out to illiterate individuals and communities.”
Briones also enjoined regional directors, schools division superintendents, district supervisors, school principals/heads and Alternative Learning System (ALS) mobile teachers/coordinators/facilitators to conduct relevant activities during the Literacy Week celebration. “All learners and community stakeholders are also enjoined to participate,” she said.
“Implementation of relevant literacy programs in schools and community learning centers shall ensure that activities are aligned to DepEd goal of developing learners with 21st century skills,” Briones ended.