Creation of Literacy Coordinating Council

Establishes the Literacy Coordinating Council (the Council) as an inter-agency body.
The Council is administratively attached to the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS).

Comprises eight (8) members:
- Undersecretary for Non-Formal Education of DECS.
- Undersecretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government responsible for local governments.
- Director of the Philippine Information Agency.
- President of the Philippine Normal College.
- A representative from the National Economic and Development Authority designated by its Director-General.
- A representative from the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture designated by the Senate President.
- A representative from the House Committee on Education and Culture designated by the Speaker of the House.
- A representative of non-government organizations involved in literacy appointed by the President of the Philippines for three (3) years.
Members elect a Chairman annually from among themselves, excluding Congressional representatives.
Council meetings are held monthly with provisions for special meetings.

Serves as overall advisory and coordinating body for all literacy efforts nationwide.
Recommends strategies to develop a mass movement for total literacy eradication targetted by the year 2000.
Formulates measures for establishing and maintaining a national data bank and information exchange system supporting literacy.
Assists in identifying and adopting successful literacy management schemes.
Promotes research and development in literacy by government and non-government organizations.
Recommends fundraising methods to support literacy programs.
Proposes ways to organize and strengthen literacy support at regional and local levels.
Performs other necessary functions consistent with the Act's purposes.

Administrative and research staff are detailed from existing DECS personnel.
The Council may designate additional staff as needed.
May request cooperation and support from appropriate government agencies and non-governmental organizations.

An initial appropriation of Ten Million Pesos (P10,000,000.00) is authorized from the National Treasury.
Annual operational costs to be included in the DECS budget thereafter.
The Council must submit an annual report to Congress including policy recommendations requiring legislative action.

Repeals any laws, executive orders, or directives inconsistent with this Act.
Contains a severability clause ensuring that if any part is declared unconstitutional, the remainder stays valid.
The Act takes effect upon publication in two national newspapers of general circulation.