Oxford, 7 April – On behalf of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. accepted the Award for Significant Contribution to World Literacy by a Government at the World Literacy Awards held in Oxford, United Kingdom on 7 April 2025. The Philippines was the only country honored at this year’s ceremony, underscoring the international recognition of its national efforts to improve literacy.

Presented by the World Literacy Foundation, the World Literacy Awards annually recognize individuals and organizations for their efforts in promoting literacy. This year, the Philippines’ Department of Education (DepEd) was commended for its strong commitment to education initiatives aimed at eradicating illiteracy across the country.

Special recognition was given to the Department of Education’s Literacy Coordinating Council for its recent establishment of 300 literacy centers across 1,634 cities and municipalities nationwide. These community-based centers play a vital role in improving literacy outcomes in the years to come, particularly by expanding access to education at the grassroots level.