RTU Collaborates with DSWD in ‘Tara, Basa!’ Tutoring Program

In a concerted effort to address literacy challenges and provide employment opportunities, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Rizal Technological University (RTU), under the headship of the OIC-Dean of the Office of the Students and Alumni Affairs (OSAAS), Dr. Marc DG. Garvida successfully launched the “Tara, Basa” Tutoring Program at the RTU-Main Campus from June 19–21, 2024.

The “Tara, Basa” program, an enhanced iteration of the DSWD’s educational initiatives, aims to elevate the reading capabilities of young students through structured and engaging learning sessions. Selected RTU students underwent rigorous capability training to serve as tutors, equipped with curated activities, innovative teaching strategies, and educational resources provided by both the DSWD and DepEd.

Central to the Tara Basa program is its dual mission of providing temporary employment opportunities for college students while fostering an environment conducive to educational growth and development. Third- and fourth-year college students who serve as tutors are awarded daily stipends, creating a cash-for-work system that supports their financial needs and incentivizes their participation. Furthermore, parents who partake in the teaching sessions receive allowances, encouraging active involvement in their child’s educational journey.

The program’s multifaceted approach targets young learners’ literacy improvement and extends its benefits to college students and the parents of the children involved. By integrating a cash-for-work model, the initiative ensures that 3rd and 4th-year college student tutors receive daily stipends, thereby offering them temporary employment and income. Parents who actively participate in the teaching sessions are also granted allowances, incentivizing their involvement in their children’s educational journey.

The successful training for tutors in the Tara Basa Tutoring Program at RTU is a testament to the power of collaborative efforts in addressing educational challenges. Notable figures at the event included Atty. Michael Joseph J. Lorico, Director, DSWD NCR; Mr. Jonah Nuñez Dailisan, the focal person for SUC in Mandaluyong; and Ms. Karen Albao, the focal person for SUC in San Juan.

Ms. Lucy Perez, a representative from DepEd, also played a key role in the initiative and was among the speakers who taught the Key Result Areas (KRA) and Classroom Reading and Literacy Assessment (CRLA) of the DepEd as part of the implementation. The KRA focuses on the critical areas of educational performance and outcomes, while the CRLA assesses students’ reading and literacy levels to tailor instructional strategies effectively.

As the program progresses, it is expected to serve as a model for similar initiatives across the country, highlighting the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in fostering educational equity and excellence. 

This joint effort by the DSWD NCR, DepEd NCR, State and Local Government (SLG), Central Office,  and RTU underscores the vital role of educational programs in building stronger foundations for lifelong learning and community resilience. Through the “Tara, Basa” program, the future of education in the Philippines looks promising, with literacy and empowerment at its core.