Manila: Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III on Thursday 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. In a video message addressed to 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.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dy emphasized that the fight against illiteracy is not solely a campaign for education but a campaign to provide opportunities, livelihood, and dignity. He warned that illiteracy continues to deprive many Filipinos of opportunities and prevents communities from fully participating in economic growth and development. The Speaker from Isabela noted that literacy empowers people to improve their lives and participate more fully in society and the economy.

Dy stressed that barangays play the most important frontline role in addressing illiteracy because they are closest to the people. He pointed out that barangays are the first to notice children who are not attending school, the youth who need guidance, and families who require support to learn and progress. The Speaker mentioned that the campaign against illiteracy begins in communities and barangays, not only through national government programs.

He also emphasized that improving literacy would create more job, business, and livelihood opportunities while strengthening the country's workforce. Dy noted that addressing illiteracy is not only a social responsibility but also an economic investment for the country's future. He said the anti-illiteracy campaign reflects President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision of Bagong Pilipinas, where every Filipino is given the chance to learn, improve their lives, and contribute to national development.

Dy, who began his career in public service as Kabataang Barangay chairperson in Cauayan, Isabela, renewed his support for stronger protection and benefits for barangay workers through measures such as the proposed Magna Carta for Barangays. He concluded by stating that empowering barangays would make the fight against poverty, lack of opportunity, and illiteracy more effective.