The Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program (TBTP), a key initiative of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under Executive Order No. 76, Series 2024, achieved a significant milestone with the successful Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing and Workshop held on March 10-11, 2025, at The Farm, City of Koronadal.
The event commenced on March 10 with the formal signing of the MOA, which marked the official collaboration between the DSWD, Local Government Units (LGUs), Schools Division Offices (SDOs), Department of Education (DepEd), and State/Local Universities and Colleges (S/LUCs). The agreement formalized each partner’s commitment to the program, which seeks to support low-income families by engaging low-income college students as tutors and youth development workers for struggling Grade 1 pupils.
DSWD Field Office XII Regional Director, Loreto Jr. V. Cabaya, delivered a heartfelt message during the MOA signing. He emphasized the significance of the collective efforts in making the program a success, stressing the positive impact it would have on the education and future of young learners, particularly those from underprivileged families.
“The success of this program is not only an opportunity to elevate the academic achievements of our Grade 1 pupils but also a means to empower our youth as they contribute back to their communities as tutors,” said Dir. Cabaya.
On the following day, March 11, a series of workshop sessions were conducted to equip the program’s partners with the necessary tools for implementation. These sessions focused on the program’s objectives, operational guidelines, and best practices for engaging parents and guardians in the tutoring process. Other topics included the recruitment and management of tutors and strategies for ensuring the effective utilization of the cash-for-work system, which forms a part of the program’s framework.
Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) was strongly represented by Dr. Samson L. Molao, University President; Dr. Marites B. Java, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA); Prof. Nasarudin I. Abas, Focal Person and Chairperson for Scholarship; and Dr. Anesa P. Mangindra, Dean of the College of Teacher Education. Dr. Molao delivered a message of support, reaffirming the university’s dedication to the success of the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program.
“The collaboration between educational institutions, government agencies, and local communities will undoubtedly ensure the long-term success of this program. SKSU is proud to be an active participant in this initiative,” Dr. Molao remarked.
The event proved to be an invaluable opportunity for all stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and share best practices. As the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program moves forward, it aims to make a lasting impact on the educational journey of Grade 1 students in low-income areas, while also providing opportunities for college students to develop valuable skills through tutoring and community service.
With this event, the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program has taken significant steps toward its successful roll-out, setting the stage for a program that will not only uplift the academic performance of young learners but also strengthen the sense of community among partners working together toward a common goal.
