'TARA, BASA' PROGRAM. The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas region highlights the role of the community in making the 20-day national turorial program "Tara, Basa" from July 1-26, 2024, in one of the program planning sessions. The literacy program was initially launched in the National Capital Region in 2023, but has expanded to seven other cities and areas across the country, including Cebu City. (Photo courtesy of DSWD-7)
CEBU CITY – A social welfare official on Thursday underscored the role of the community in making the national tutoring program “Tara, Basa” successful.
Shalaine Marie Lucero, regional director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas (DSWD-7), said the unique educational initiative will bring together college students, young learners, and their guardians to help the government address illiteracy and bolster reading abilities among Filipino children.
Lucero said the implementation of the 20-day program in Cebu City from July 1 to 26, except weekends, is on target.
As part of the social preparation, the DSWD field office identified coordinators from the 67 public elementary schools in Cebu City, as well as the 57 barangay captains who enlisted to get involved in this nationwide initiative.
The coordinators will serve as guides and mentors for tutors while the youth development workers will ensure the safety and well-being of both college students and learners throughout the 20-day tutoring activities, Lucero said.
“The program is important in bolstering the learners’ reading literacy,” she told the Philippine News Agency.
Initially launched in the National Capital Region in 2023, the national tutoring program has expanded to seven other cities and areas across the country, including in this capital city.
According to Lucero, the agency has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Education, the local government of Cebu City, and Cebu Normal University to operationalize the program here.
On the other hand, the barangay chairmen are also tapped to ensure the nutrition of the learners, she said. (PNA)
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