...the King Sejong Literary awardee

Tagum City wins 2011 UNESCO literacy award August 15, 2011 Philippine star

MANILA, Philippines – The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized Tagum City Literacy Coordinating Council as one of the winners of this year’s King Sejong Literacy Prize. The program was cited for its Peace Management Literacy and Continuing Education through Night Market Program. It used peace education activities, literacy teaching, and business entrepreneurship to generate employment for the marginalized sector.  Education Secretary Armin Luistro cited the award showed how literacy can empower people, saying “At the end of the day, literacy gives everyone a fighting chance to a better life.” City Mayor Rey Uy introduced the program, which gave small and medium entrepreneurs the opportunity to sustain their businesses in accordance with an ordinance on the revised code of economic enterprise of the city. The ordinance offered a functional literacy program for the vendors which included lessons on values formation, literacy, health awareness, financial literacy and management, solid waste management and peace education. “One of the most visible effects of these literacy initiatives is that many people visit the night market and roam the city streets without fearing for their lives,” said Uy.