MANILA, Philippines - Davao City bagged the National Literacy Awards 2013 Hall of Fame under the Highly Urbanized City Category. In a letter to Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Department of Education Undersecretary Rizalino Rivera said Davao City will be given recognition for its inspiring efforts in sustaining the City’s exemplary programs in literacy and for the impact the programs have created on the community. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations for winning the Hall of Fame award,†Rivera stated in the letter. In the report for the bid to the said national awards, then Mayor Sara Duterte said Davao City’s vision is one where all sectors have access to basic services, where all citizens live in a progressive society, able to realize their potentials and live their lives to the fullest. “Literacy programs do not fall under the field of education but also under peace and order, disaster management, the environment, health rural development and socio-economic improvement,†former Mayor Sara Duterte said. Davao City’s programs are known to have been institutionalized to ensure generations of Davaoeños empowerment in governance and further develop their skills and become self reliant, proactive and dynamic members of society.