By Daniel Que
Dagupan City, under the leadership of Mayor Belen Fernandez, has been recognized as the Regional Winner in the Independent Component City Category at the 2024 National Literacy Awards (NLA) for its key initiatives under the “Unaen Su Edukasyon” (Prioritize Education) program.
The award was presented by the Department of Education and the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) on October 28 at the City Mayor’s Office.
This accolade positions Dagupan as a national finalist for the Gawad Liyab Search for Outstanding Local Government Unit.
Key programs contributing to this achievement include the Scholarship Program, various School Infrastructure Projects, the Manlingkor ya Kalangweran (MYK) Youth Leadership Training Program, the Libreng Paligo initiative, the Jr. Health Advocate program, and the Pamilyang Rehistrado Kinabukasan ay Sigurado (Lehitimo Ako, Batang Dagupeño) campaign, along with the “Handa ka ba?” disaster preparedness information campaign.
This recognition was made possible by the support of DepEd Region 1, led by Regional Director Tolentino Aquino, with contributions from Education Program Supervisor Antonio Celeste, Chief Education Program Supervisor Johnson Sunga, and Dagupan Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Rowena Banzon, among others. Key community figures, including Barangay Malued’s Captain Filipina ‘Pheng’ Delos Santos and Kagawad Rochelle Tamayo, were also in attendance.
This award underscores Dagupan City’s commitment to making education accessible for all residents.