In an effort to boost literacy rates, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Eastern Visayas is set to expand its Tara, Basa! tutoring program next year. The initiative, which saw success in Samar and the cities of Tacloban and Ormoc in 2024, will now reach more areas, aiming to assist a larger number of struggling readers.
Last year, the program supported 1,981 learners, but in 2025, it plans to aid 5,040 non-readers. The number of tutors involved will also see a significant increase, rising from 375 to 1,508. Additionally, parental involvement is expected to grow, with participation jumping from 1,977 to 5,040 parents.
The DSWD is collaborating with various stakeholders to prepare for the expanded rollout. College students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds will serve as tutors and youth development workers, focusing on reading tutorials for students and educational sessions for parents. These students will be compensated with a daily wage of PHP435 for a 20-day period from May 19 to June 23, 2025.
Parents attending the sessions, which cover topics like effective parenting and children’s rights, will receive a daily allowance of PHP235. This program not only aims to improve literacy but also serves as an educational support system for college students from low-income families.
To ensure the smooth implementation of the program, the DSWD has been engaging in coordination meetings with the Department of Education and partner universities and colleges. These meetings focus on beneficiary selection, tutor orientation, and community engagement activities.