Over 100,000 learners, tutors benefit from Marcos admin’s relentless ‘Tara, Basa’ program
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is relentlessly pursuing the country’s bid to improve its global literacy standing, notably in reading skills and comprehension.
Under the President’s leadership, the “Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program” of the Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD), a flagship program of the national government through Executive Order NO 76, s. 2024, has benefited about 99,103 learners, 15,003 tutors, 3,520 youth development workers since 2023.
Under the government of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, all children shall receive an education in reading in Tara Basa program headed by Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian. (File photo: PCO)
In 2024 alone, the “Tara, Basa” program supported 62,418 learners, 8,174 tutors, and 2,434 youth development workers (YDWs).
In partnership with LGUs, the Tara Basa is now implemented in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN, and CALABARZON.
Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian Secretary Gatchalian has reported to President Marcos the DSWD’s revamped Tara, Basa! has increased college student participation in nation-building. Based on the program’s evaluation, of the 6,829 tutors trained, 80 percent (5,487) remain involved in the program while finishing their college studies.
DSWD Secretary REX Gatchalian and DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara signed a Memorandum of Agreement on December 20, 2024, to continue the DSWD Tara, Basa Tutoring Program for the 2025 school calendar year. (Photo: DSWD Usec. Edu Punay)
In its initial assessment, the program also saw a 5.5 percent increase in the number of grade schoolers who read better at their appropriate grade level. The numbers rose from 13,933 to 14,700 in 2023, as verified by a comprehensive rapid literacy assessment (CRLA).
On the other hand, latest reports released by the DSWD showed a significant improvement in reading scores among students in the program, with an average increase of 15 percent in reading comprehension.
This translates to thousands of children who are now better equipped to succeed in their studies and beyond.
Launched in August 2023 and expanded in 2024, it will take roots in 11 regions in 2025.
The President, through EO 76, the has instructed the DSWD to work with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the National Youth Commission (NYC), state universities and colleges (SUCs), local government units (LGUs), and other relevant national government agencies and stakeholders to implement and expand the program successfully.
Secretary Gatchalian said the tutoring program provides dual benefits: it empowers poor state college students to contribute to nation-building, while simultaneously helping them finish their college education.
“We express our gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for acknowledging the educational assistance program initiated by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian. We are honored to spearhead this initiative, which aims to support low-income students and families,” Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said.
Collaborative learning program
The President has assured the assistance of national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs) to the Tara, Basa program, while at the same time encouraging the private sector to work with the public sector to establish “a collaborative learning program that aims to provide educational opportunities for elementary students.”
The Tara Basa program likewise provides social protection to indigent college students while addressing college attrition and helping solve illiteracy among public grade school pupils. The Tara, Basa has been recognized for its innovative approach in dealing with reading difficulties among elementary students.
A tutor and youth development worker is demonstrating her creativity and effectiveness by developing innovative teaching strategies and utilizing communication technology to enhance tutoring sessions. (Photo source: DSWD Tara Basa FB Page)
The program’s success is built on its community-based approach, with more than 8,000 student tutors and more than 2,000 YDWs from low-income backgrounds trained and deployed to elementary schools. Their work focuses on improving the students’ reading skills and conducting “Nanay-Tatay” teacher sessions for parents of struggling Grade 2 students.
These student tutors act as mentors, friends, and guides. And in the process, they build strong connections with their young charges and nurturing a love for learning.
Testimonials from parents
Manuel L. Quezon Elementary School parent Orlando Oroszo expressed gratitude to President Marcos and Secretary Gatchalian for his children’s inclusion in the Tara, Basa program.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako dahil malaking tulong sa akin at sa mga anak ko ang programa. Natuto silang magbasa kahit sa konting panahon. Ngayon po, ‘yung anak ko na ang nagtuturo sa kapatid niya sa pagbabasa. Kaya po sana, maipagpatuloy n’yo na tulungan ‘yung mga nahihirapang mag-tutor sa kanilang mga anak tulad ko na isang solo parent,” a teary-eyed Orosco said.
“This program has positively contributed to our growth and career goals,” Querubin Ruiz Timogan, a tutor and a 4th-year BS Education student., said.
Querubin, who also served as a tutor during the pilot implementation program in 2024 believes the experience will be vital to his future career as an educator.
“Napakaalwan po nito para sa amin lalo na kung ikukumpara sa dati,” Ayeen Jharifa Dirampaten Alip, a student of Mindanao State University, said.
Fulfillment in helping students read
Eliza Gaye Ruivivar, a tutor from the City College of San Jose del Monte, shared her heartwarming experience with the program. She expressed a deep sense of fulfillment every time her students thanked her.
“No amount of money can compare with hearing that you’ve helped someone learn,” Ruivivar said. “It’s such a rewarding feeling to see my students talking and saying that they’ve become good readers because of me.”
Rommel Aban, a former YDW, has decided to continue his public service by working with the DSWD.
In 2023, Rommel served as a YDW by conducting “Nanay-Tatay” sessions focused on improving parenting skills, emphasizing the importance of education, and inspiring children to continue their studies.
This comprehensive approach acknowledges that literacy is not solely about classroom learning, but also about creating a supportive environment at home.
“Before ‘Tara, Basa!’, I was worried about my son’s reading,” Gina Jambo Guerrera, a parent from Lingunan Elementary School in Valenzuela City, said. “He struggled to keep up with his classmates and I felt helpless. But the ‘Nanay-Tatay’ sessions changed everything. I learned how to help him at home, and now he’s reading with more confidence.”
She said the “Nanay-Tatay” learning sessions highlight the crucial role of parents in their children’s education, emphasizing the importance of spending quality time with them.
Working both ways
The “Nanay-Tatay Learning Sessions” work both ways. The parents and guardians receive P235 per session of attendance. On the other hand, the college students receive P500 to P645 per session for 20 days, with each tutorial lasting from 2 to 3 hours.
To assess the effectiveness of both tutor-led and parental education, the learners take a test after the tutoring sessions.
Each beneficiary, who is enrolled in their 2nd to 4th year level of tertiary education, can receive a maximum of PhP12,480, representing compensation for 20 reading sessions or “Nanay-Tatay” teacher sessions. The payout is based on the regional daily minimum wage rate, which was P610 per day from July 1 to 16, and increased to P645 starting July 17, 2024 in the National Capital Region.
A total of 2,857 tutors and YDWs from seven cities in NCR (Mandaluyong, Pasig, Marikina, San Juan, Pasay, Navotas, and Quezon City) received their cash-for-work payments between September 20 and 22, 2024.
In 2024, the agency disbursed P359,416,623 for the cash-for-work program benefiting various participants. The beneficiaries included 61,805 parents; 8,174 tutors; and 2,434 youth development workers (YDWs).
2025 expansion
Social Welfare and Development for Innovations and Program Development Undersecretary Edu Punay said the program is exploring other avenues for expansion in 2025.
In a statement released on December 5, he announced plans to pilot the program in daycare centers and adapt it for deaf students next year.
The expansion planned through 2025 will also reduce learning gaps in the underserved regions.
For Calendar Year 2025, the target implementation sites for the program include the NCR, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN, Caraga.
ADVT.
This article is brought to you by Presidential Communications Office through PDI.
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