Dr. Ray Butch D. Mahinay, Vice President for Extension and Social Development Services (VP ESDS) at the City College of Cagayan de Oro, played a key role as a member of the Regional Selection Committee for the National Literacy Awards (NLA) during the Regional Literacy Program Orientation held at the Kauswagan International Organic Convention Center last September 15-16, 2025. Alongside Dr. Mahinay, the committee is also composed of representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region X (DILG X) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), reflecting a multi-sectoral approach to advancing literacy.
The two-day orientation, organized by the Department of Education Regional Office X, in partnership with the Municipality of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, gathered literacy advocates to enhance program implementation and prepare for the upcoming NLA cycle. The orientation also looked back on the outstanding contributions of the Municipality of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, as a consistent champion in the NLA.
In his capacity as VP of ESDS and a member of the Regional NLA Selection Committee, Dr. Mahinay emphasized the importance of recognizing and scaling innovative literacy practices that promote equity and inclusion. He noted that the winning programs stand as living examples of how strong partnerships between LGUs, academe, and civil society can transform communities through education. The activity reaffirms the region’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education, 10: Reduced Inequalities, and 17: Partnerships for the Goals, ensuring inclusive and equitable lifelong learning opportunities for all.