‘Tara, Basa!’ program: Empowering learners, parents, youth simultaneously
By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — When the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched the ‘Tara, Basa!’ program, it envisioned more than just a literacy campaign. It became a three-fold solution: helping struggling Grade 2 readers, providing financial assistance to poor college students, and empowering parents to guide their children’s learning at home.
For Adelyn Limnoan, a 26-year-old education student from Caraga State University in Butuan City, the program was life-changing. “More than the stipend I received as a tutor, the experience I had tutoring struggling learners was just priceless,” she shared, recalling her journey as one of the college student-tutors employed under ‘Tara, Basa!’ program.
Adelyn’s role was clear: conduct 20-day face-to-face tutoring sessions with pupils who were non-readers or struggling readers. But beyond the lessons, she found herself forming bonds that went deeper than academics. One of her tutees was a child with disability—a learner who faced not only the challenge of reading but also the daily hurdles of accessibility and inclusion.
“Every small progress felt like a victory,” Adelyn said, her voice filled with pride. “Seeing the child’s determination reminded me that teaching is not just about letters and words—it’s about hope.”
The program also gave Adelyn and other tutors a chance to earn through a cash-for-work scheme, receiving compensation equivalent to the regional minimum wage. For many indigent students, this financial support means continuing their studies and serving their communities.
According to Ephraim B. Malazarte, information officer of DSWD Caraga, the student-tutors come from state colleges and universities (SUCs), ensuring that the program uplifts both learners and youth scholars. In 2025, the program was piloted in Siargao Islands and Butuan City, reaching hundreds of families. In Siargao alone, 535 learners and parents, 106 student-tutors, and 54 youth development workers (YDWs) benefited from the program. Meanwhile, Butuan City recorded 146 tutors, 73 YDWs, and 1,260 learners.
This year, DSWD Caraga is expanding the program to the municipalities of Madrid and Cantilan in Surigao del Sur. A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was also signed in April for implementation in the province of Dinagat Islands, set to begin by May. Beneficiaries are carefully identified, with priority given to those from low-income families determined through the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS).
Tutoring sessions are scheduled during school breaks to avoid conflicts with the academic calendar. With the Department of Education (DepEd) set to implement a trimester school year by 2026–2027, the program will continue seamlessly, aligning with the new vacation schedules.
Meanwhile, parents were not left behind. Through the guidance of YDWs, they participate in ‘Nanay-Tatay Teacher’ sessions, learning how to support their children’s education at home. This ensured that literacy gains were sustained beyond the classroom.
By combining education, livelihood, and family empowerment, the ‘Tara, Basa!’ program has become a beacon of inclusive development. For Adelyn, the lessons learned go beyond literacy. They are about resilience, compassion, and the priceless joy of seeing a child—especially one with special needs—take their first steps toward reading. (NJGD, PIA Caraga / Photo courtesy of DSWD Caraga)
