HB07414: AN ACT RENAMING THE LITERACY COORDINATING COUNCIL TO NATIONAL LITERACY COUNCIL, STRENGTHENING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, EXPANDING ITS MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE AND SUPPORT MECHANISMS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO.
House Bill No. 7414, titled "National Literacy Council Act," seeks to rename the Literacy Coordinating Council to the National Literacy Council, significantly expanding its powers, functions, and membership structure. This legislation underscores the State's commitment to prioritizing education and universalizing literacy, in line with constitutional mandates. The renamed Council will serve as the lead inter-agency coordinating and advisory body, attached to the Department of Education, focusing on policy formulation and implementation of literacy measures. Its composition will include key government agencies and representatives from NGOs and private educational institutions, ensuring a broad and collaborative approach to literacy development.
The bill's impact on the people is profound, as it aims to strengthen efforts to combat illiteracy and promote educational opportunities for all citizens, especially marginalized and vulnerable groups like out-of-school children and adults, persons with disabilities, and indigenous peoples. By establishing Local Literacy Councils at the city, municipal, and barangay levels, the bill ensures community-based implementation of literacy programs. Furthermore, the National Literacy Awards and financial subsidies for outstanding literacy programs will incentivize and recognize effective initiatives, fostering a culture of literacy nationwide. This comprehensive approach is designed to accelerate social progress and promote total human liberation and development through improved literacy rates and numeracy skills.