Cagayan de Oro City, September 15, 2025 — The Department of Education (DepEd) Region X, through the Curriculum and Learning Management Division (CLMD), conducted the Regional Literacy Program Orientation at the Kauswagan International Organic Convention Center, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, on September 15–16.
Hosted by the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Lanao del Norte, in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kauswagan, the activity served as an example of collaboration and innovation in advancing literacy initiatives across Northern Mindanao.
The orientation aimed to familiarize the divisional counterparts with the DepEd Literacy Program, including its policies, goals, and implementation guidelines. It also provided guidance on establishing and strengthening Local Literacy Coordinating Councils (LLCCs) and prepared the participants for active engagement in the National Literacy Awards (NLA) through a deeper understanding of its criteria and requirements.
With the leadership of DepEd Region X Regional Director Dr. Arturo B. Bayocot, CESO III; Assistant Regional Director Dr. Federico P. Martin, CESO V; CLMD Chief Mala Epra B. Magnaong; Schools Division Superintendent Edwin Maribojoc, CESO V; and Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Jayvy C. Vegafria, alongside the support of Kauswagan Mayor Sonia A. Arnado and Vice Mayor Rommel C. Arnado, the orientation highlighted Kauswagan’s award-winning literacy program as a benchmark of excellence.
The event was also graced by members of the Regional NLA Committee, SDO focal persons, Education Program Supervisors for ALS (EPSA), and LGU representatives.
Through the coordination of Curriculum Implementation Division (CID) Chief Maria Eva S. Edon, Alternative Learning System (ALS) Focal Person Rotsen V. Escorial, and Public Schools District Supervisor Norberto B. Frias, the activity highlighted the community’s ongoing efforts to support educational initiatives.
The two-day activity cascaded important updates on the National Literacy Awards and underscored the value of strong DepEd-LGU collaboration in promoting grassroots literacy initiatives.
Moreover, the event inspired the divisions and LGUs across Northern Mindanao to emulate the best practices of Kauswagan as a three-time National Literacy Champion and Hall of Famer.
The orientation underscored the role of community involvement in promoting literacy efforts in Northern Mindanao, reflecting ongoing initiatives to support educational development in the region.
