Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III rallied barangays nationwide to take the lead in the fight against illiteracy, stressing that education and literacy are powerful tools in lifting Filipinos out of poverty and building a stronger future for the country.
Addressing the National Convention of the Liga ng mga Barangay, Dy said this year’s theme, “Zero Illiteracy — One Barangay at a Time,” highlights the crucial role of barangays in ensuring that every Filipino gains access to learning, economic opportunities, and a better life.
“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,” said the leader of the House of Representatives.
The veteran legislator warned that illiteracy continues to deprive many Filipinos of opportunities and prevents communities from fully participating in economic growth and development.
“Kapag may batang hindi marunong bumasa, may pangarap na nahihirapang maabot.”
“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,” the seasoned lawmaker said.
“At kapag may komunidad na kulang sa literacy, mas nagiging limitado ang kakayahan nitong makisabay sa ekonomiya at sa mabilis na pagbabago ng panahon,” he added.
The Speaker from Isabela emphasized that literacy empowers people to improve their lives and participate more fully in society and the economy.
“Kaya mahalagang maintindihan natin: literacy is empowerment. Ito ang susi upang mabigyan ng kakayahan ang mamamayan na mas mapabuti ang kanilang buhay,” he said.
Dy stressed that barangays play the most important frontline role in addressing illiteracy because they are closest to the people.
“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,” he pointed out.
Dy said the campaign against illiteracy begins in communities and barangays, not only through national government programs.
“Ang laban kontra illiteracy ay hindi nagsisimula sa malalaking opisina o pambansang programa. Nagsisimula ito sa mga komunidad. Nagsisimula ito sa barangay,” he noted.
Dy also stressed the economic impact of improving literacy, saying it would create more opportunities for jobs, business, and livelihood while strengthening the country’s workforce.
“Kapag sama-sama nating tinutulungan ang bawat Pilipino na matutong bumasa, sumulat, at umunawa, mas lumalawak din ang oportunidad para sa trabaho, negosyo, at kabuhayan. Mas nagiging handa ang mamamayan sa makabagong ekonomiya. Mas lumalakas ang ating workforce. Mas nagiging produktibo ang ating mga komunidad,” he said.
Dy explained that addressing illiteracy should not only be seen as a social responsibility but also as a long-term economic investment for the country.
“Ang pag-address sa illiteracy ay hindi lamang social responsibility—economic investment din ito para sa kinabukasan ng ating bansa.”
“Sa madaling salita, ang pag-address sa illiteracy ay hindi lamang social responsibility—economic investment din ito para sa kinabukasan ng ating bansa,” he said.
Dy said the anti-illiteracy campaign reflects President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision of Bagong Pilipinas, where every Filipino is given the chance to learn, improve their lives and contribute to national development.
“Ito ang diwa ng Bagong Pilipinas: isang bansang walang naiiwan, kung saan bawat Pilipino ay may pagkakataong matuto, umasenso, at makilahok sa pag-unlad ng bayan,” he said.
Dy—who began his career in public service as Kabataang Barangay Chairperson in Cauayan, Isabela—likewise renewed his support for stronger protection and benefits for barangay workers through measures such as the proposed Magna Carta for Barangays.
“Bilang dating barangay official, naniniwala po ako na napakahalaga ring patuloy nating palakasin at suportahan ang ating mga barangay officials at workers,” he said.
“Kaya patuloy nating isinusulong ang mga hakbang tulad ng Magna Carta for Barangays upang mabigyan kayo ng sapat na suporta, benepisyo, training, at proteksyon na naaayon sa laki ng inyong tungkulin,” Dy added.
He said empowering barangays would ultimately strengthen the country’s broader fight against poverty, inequality and lack of opportunities.
“Dahil kung mas empowered ang ating mga barangay, mas magiging epektibo rin ang ating laban kontra kahirapan, kawalan ng oportunidad, at illiteracy… Sama-sama nating itaguyod ang isang Bagong Pilipinas — zero illiteracy, one barangay at a time,” Dy concluded.
