Surigao City has successfully progressed to the national level of the National Literacy Awards (NLA) 2024 in the Component City Category, following its impressive performance at the regional level last August.
The national validation was conducted recently, with validators welcomed by the City Government led by Mayor Pablo Yves L. Dumlao II and Vice Mayor Alfonso Casurra, along with the Surigao City Department of Education Division, represented by Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Marilou B. Dedumo, CESO V.
The NLA recognizes Local Government Units, Non-Government Organizations, and literacy workers for their exemplary literacy programs and initiatives. Among Mayor Dumlao’s key priorities is the enhancement of education, emphasized through the Project PULIDO (Promoting Universalization in Literacy and Inclusivity for Dynamic and Outstanding Surigaonons). This initiative aims to provide educational opportunities through the Alternative Learning System (ALS), particularly for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) and the Badjao and Mamanwa communities.
During the validation process, the NLA validators visited several key locations, including Mariano Espina Memorial Central Elementary School in Brgy. Taft and Surigao West Central Elementary School in Brgy. San Juan. They also assessed the impact of ALS programs and literacy initiatives at the Surigao City Jail and conducted an on-site validation at Bahay Pag-asa, overseen by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).
Various departments of the City LGU, including the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO), City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), City Health Office (CHO), and City Public Information Office (PIO), were involved in the evaluation.
During the exit conference on September 25, 2024, the validators shared their observations and commendations regarding Surigao City’s literacy efforts. The results of the validation will be announced soon.
The validation team included Assistant Professor at the Philippine Normal University Dr. Maria Azela L. Tamayo, Information Officer at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Ms. Josephine L. Babarang, and Associate Member and Consultant of the Civil Society Network for Education Reforms (E-Net Philippines) Alvelyn Joy D. Berdan. The 2024 NLA Coordinator is Project Development Officer II Ms. Marikka P. Mampusti from the Literacy Coordinating Council Secretariat.
Surigao City continues to strive for excellence in literacy and education, ensuring that every citizen has access to quality learning opportunities.
(Source: Surigao City PIO)