‘By continuing to invest in education, embracing innovative solutions, and fostering a culture of learning, we can ensure that every Filipino has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.’
LET’S raise our glasses and celebrate the remarkable achievements of local government executives, Department of Education (DepEd) officials, educators, parents, and students who have broken barriers and set new standards in literacy.
I am particularly thrilled to learn that Pasay City is among those that excelled in basic literacy, as highlighted by the 2024 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS).
When I joined the Pasay City government as the Public Information Officer in October 2019, my first meeting with Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano at her City Hall office left a lasting impression.
Her genuine commitment to serving her constituents for the greater good was immediately evident. My tenure as PIO concluded in December 2021, as I was in the United States when the Omicron variant emerged.
During my tenure, I had the opportunity to learn about the programs of Pasay Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Arturo Tolentino through one of their dedicated staff members, Ronel Arellano.
Dr. Tolentino made significant contributions to the educational initiatives and programs in Pasay, with the steadfast support of Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, laying the foundation for the improvements observed in recent years.
Beyond Pasay, the Province of Apayao, led by Gov. Elias Bulut Jr., and the Province of Benguet, under Gov. Dr. Melchor Diclas, have also achieved exceptional results, according to FLEMMS. San Juan City, led by Mayor Francis Zamora; Cagayan de Oro City, under Mayor Klarex Uy; Pasig City, led by Mayor Vico Sotto; and Mandaue City, under former Mayor Glenn Ouano Bercede, now serving as Vice Mayor, have all made significant strides in literacy.
These local government units (LGUs) could not have achieved such success without the dedicated efforts of their respective Schools Division Superintendents: Pasay’s Joel Torrecampo and his assistant, Quinn Norman Arreza; Apayao’s Irene Angway and her assistant, Jerry Sario Jr.; Benguet’s Gloria Buya-ao and her assistant, Carmel Meris; San Juan’s Margarito Materum and his assistant, Angelita Cornejo; Cagayan de Oro’s Dr. Cherry Mae Limbaco and her assistant, Dr. Reynaldo Manuel; Pasig’s Sheryll Gayola and her assistant, Jay Maca; and Mandaue’s Dr. Marilyn Andales and her assistant, Dr. Arden Monisit.
With the unwavering support of their families and communities, the students of Pasay, Apayao, Benguet, San Juan, Cagayan de Oro City, Pasig, and Mandaue have not only excelled in basic literacy but have also set benchmarks in functional literacy, showcasing the power of collective effort and innovative education.
As we all know, the cornerstone of education is basic literacy, which gives students the ability to read and write simple messages and perform basic mathematical operations.
In Pasay City and the Province of Apayao, the collaboration between their respective DepEd’s Schools Division Superintendents has laid this foundation with precision and care, ensuring that every child can read and write.
Initiatives like the “Hamon: Bawat Bata Bumabasa (3Bs)” in Pasay City have been pivotal in improving reading proficiency among learners.
The dedication of teachers and community leaders in Apayao has been crucial in reaching geographically isolated areas, guaranteeing that every child receives an education.
Functional literacy encompasses the ability to read, write, compute, and comprehend complex texts and situations. Benguet and San Juan City have emerged as leaders in this category.
Both LGUs, along with their respective DepEd Schools Division Superintendents, have focused on enhancing comprehension skills, critical thinking, and the ability to integrate information.
San Juan City’s initiatives to provide free gadgets and internet access have modernized education, making learning more accessible and engaging.
At Benguet, strong support from the provincial government down to the barangay levels has bolstered educational programs, leading to significant improvements in literacy rates.
In Cagayan de Oro, research-driven policies and targeted reading interventions have addressed specific literacy challenges.
Pasig City’s focus on early childhood education and the strengthening of local literacy councils has bridged the gap between national policy and local implementation.
Mandaue has followed a similar path to San Juan by providing tablets and digital tools to students, revolutionizing the learning experience and making education more interactive and effective.
These achievements are not the result of isolated efforts but a testament to the power of collaboration among LGUs, DepEd, educators, parents, and community leaders.
By working hand in hand and setting aside differences, we can create an environment where literacy can thrive.
Their dedication and innovative approaches have not only improved literacy rates but have also empowered individuals to make informed decisions, solve problems, and engage more deeply in economic, social, and political activities.
As we celebrate these milestones, it is essential to recognize that the journey towards universal literacy is ongoing.
The successes of Pasay City, Apayao, Benguet, San Juan City, Cagayan de Oro City, Pasig City, and Mandaue City serve as inspiring examples for other provinces, cities, and municipalities across the country.
By continuing to invest in education, embracing innovative solutions, and fostering a culture of learning, we can ensure that every Filipino has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” The Philippines is proving this to be true, one literate community at a time.
