House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III called on barangay officials nationwide to actively spearhead the fight against illiteracy, stressing that education is a powerful weapon for eradicating poverty and opening doors for Filipinos.
In a video message delivered during the National Convention of the Liga ng mga Barangay, Dy lauded the convention’s theme, “Zero Illiteracy — One Barangay at a Time,” noting that it underscores the critical role grassroots communities play in fostering education, livelihood, and social progress.
“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,” the Speaker remarked.
The House leader emphasized that illiteracy remains a major barrier, preventing many citizens from securing economic opportunities and elevating their quality of life.
“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,” Dy explained.
He added that reading and writing should be viewed not merely as academic achievements, but as tools for personal empowerment and economic growth.
“Kaya mahalagang maintindihan natin: literacy is empowerment. Ito ang susi upang mabigyan ng kakayahan ang mamamayan na mas mapabuti ang kanilang buhay,” he said.
Because barangays represent the primary line of governance, Dy noted that local officials are uniquely positioned to track down out-of-school youth, mentor vulnerable sectors, and connect struggling families with educational resources.
“Dahil ang barangay ang pinakamalapit sa tao. Kayo ang unang nakakakita kung sinong bata ang hindi nakakapasok sa paaralan, kung sinong kabataan ang kailangang gabayan, at kung aling pamilya ang nangangailangan ng tulong upang mabigyan ng pagkakataong matuto at umasenso,” Dy added.
Ultimately, the Speaker noted that raising literacy standards acts as an economic driver that creates a highly competitive workforce and boosts employment rates.
“Sa madaling salita, ang pag-address sa illiteracy ay hindi lamang social responsibility—economic investment din ito para sa kinabukasan ng ating bansa,” Dy concluded.
He further tied the grassroots literacy drive to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s overarching vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas,” where citizens are equipped with the skills necessary to uplift their households and drive national development.