Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte on Thursday underscored the importance of educational literacy to empower people who can contribute to the stability and security of the country.
Duterte, who spoke before over 500 public school officials gathered in Cebu City for the National Literacy Conference 2023 at the Department of Education (DepEd) Ecotech Center, said parents, communities, and civil society that invest in education and promote literacy among its people, “sets the stage for a peaceful and secure society.”
The Vice President said promoting education and literacy “we empower individuals to become active and responsive citizens who can contribute to the stability and harmony of the nation,” adding that they are vital for national security.
“Education provides individuals with tools to understand and resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner, fostering a culture of dialogue and tolerance. It equips them with critical thinking skills, enabling them to challenge extremism, discrimination, and other forms of social unrest,” she said.
Duterte added that a well-educated and literate population “could address challenges and threats faced by the country as they are more equipped to understand and respond to national and global issues like climate change, economic instability, political conflicts ,and war.”
It is through education and literacy the country could build a strong defense force by producing skilled and knowledgeable individuals that can beef up security and defense sectors. Moreso, they are crucial components of economic development and prosperity.
She added that the country’s literate and educated workforce is more likely to have higher employment rates, increased productivity, and better job opportunities.
Duterte said that investing in education and promoting literacy is “investing in the future of our country and unlocking the potential of our people and paving the way for sustainable development and prosperity.”
Key literacy initiatives
According to Duterte, the education department has taken significant steps that highlight some key initiatives aimed at enhancing functional literacy across all levels of education in the country.
“The recent revision of the K-10 curriculum under the “Matatag Na Curriculum”, ensures the development of critical thinkers, problem-solving skills, good manners and right conduct, peace education, and other essential skills,” Duterte said.
She said that the revision acknowledges the evolving demands of the 21st century where learners must analyze complex issues and adapt to rapidly changing environments.
The Vice President also highlighted the agency’s alternative learning system that gives access to education offering not only basic literacy but also life skills among out-of-school youth and adults who have missed formal schooling.
“This program empowers marginalized individuals, promotes social inclusion and offers them a chance to earn a diploma leading to improved job prospects and increase in self-esteem,” she said.
DepEd, she said, also invests in teacher training to equip them with new teaching strategies for functional literacy. (PNA)