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.