Title
Supreme Court
Creation of Literacy Coordinating Council
Law
Republic Act No. 7165
Decision Date
Nov 25, 1991
A Philippine law creates the Literacy Coordinating Council to prioritize the eradication of illiteracy by formulating policies and implementing programs on non-formal, informal, and indigenous learning systems, as well as self-learning and out-of-school study programs, with a focus on community needs. The Council serves as an advisory and coordinating body, recommending strategies, establishing a national data bank, raising funds, and strengthening support structures for literacy at regional and local levels.

Law Summary

Creation and Attachment of the 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).

Composition of the Council

  • 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.

Powers and Functions of the Council

  • 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.

Staffing and Support

  • 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.

Funding and Reporting

  • 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.

Legal Provisions and Effectivity

  • 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.

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