Barangays should take the lead in the fight against illiteracy as part of a broader effort to expand opportunities, reduce poverty, and strengthen communities, House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III said.
Speaking at the National Convention of the Liga ng mga Barangay, the House Speaker said this year’s theme, “Zero Illiteracy: One Barangay at a Time,” underscores the vital role of village leaders in ensuring that more Filipinos gain access to learning and livelihood opportunities.
He said the campaign against illiteracy goes beyond education, as it also affects employment, access to services, and the ability of citizens to participate in economic and social development.
“Napakalalim po ng mensaheng dala ng temang ito dahil ang laban kontra illiteracy ay hindi lamang kampanya para sa edukasyon. It is a campaign to provide opportunities, livelihood, and dignity. It is a fight for the future of our nation,” he said.
He warned that illiteracy continues to limit the prospects of many Filipinos, especially those who struggle to read, understand documents, apply for jobs, or access government services.
“Kapag may batang hindi marunong bumasa, may pangarap na nahihirapang maabot. Kapag may kababayan tayo na hindi marunong umintindi ng mga dokumento, impormasyon, o aplikasyon, mas nagiging mahirap para sa kanya na makahanap ng trabaho, makakuha ng serbisyo, o makaahon sa buhay,” he remarked.
He noted that literacy is a form of empowerment because it gives people the ability to improve their lives, join the workforce, and contribute to their communities.
He stressed that barangays are in the best position to identify children who are not attending school, youth who need guidance, and families that require support to gain access to education.
“Ang laban kontra illiteracy ay hindi nagsisimula sa malalaking opisina o pambansang programa. Nagsisimula ito sa mga komunidad. Nagsisimula ito sa barangay,” he said.
The House Speaker also pointed to the economic value of literacy, saying Filipinos who can read, write, and understand information are better prepared for jobs, business, and livelihood opportunities.
He said addressing illiteracy should be treated not only as a social responsibility but also as a long-term investment in the country’s future.
The House leader said the campaign reflects the administration’s Bagong Pilipinas vision of giving every Filipino the chance to learn, improve their lives, and take part in national development.
He also renewed support for measures aimed at strengthening benefits and protection for barangay officials and workers, including the proposed Magna Carta for Barangays.
Dy said barangay workers need adequate support, training, benefits, and protection because of their frontline role in community development.
Empowering barangays, he added, would make the government’s campaign against poverty, inequality, lack of opportunity, and illiteracy more effective.