According to Dr. Norma Salcedo, LCC (Literacy Coordinating Council) head, the government launched the National Literacy Program award to give recognition to local government units (LGUs) that are giving literacy programs for the underprivileged.

LCC wants to give precise recognition to LGUs or any institution that are working to help improve the quality living of those who are less-fortunate through education.

Aside from Balanga City in Bataan, Malaybalay in Bukidnon, Sorsogon, Cadiz and Tagum in Davao are also part of the Top 5 component cities.

The Top 5 were chosen based in the following criteria for judging: planning development, system of implementation and the impact on learners and the community.

LCC is working in cooperation with the Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government, Senate, Congress, National Economic Development Council, Philippine Information Agency, the Philippine Normal University and a non-governmental organization.

With this recognition given to City of Balanga, Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III and department heads said that they are really working to improve the quality of education in the city like in Oxford, Salamanca in Spain, Stanford and Harvard under our University Town Program 2020.

Mayor Garcia, together with his whole administration, is delightful as the city was included in the Top 5.

In addition to Balanga City's literacy programs, LCC also recognized the Barangay Week program and the Alternative Learning System being undertaken, which is funded by the city government. [via mb.com.ph]