In preparation for the upcoming 20-day session of the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program (TBTP), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office V – Bicol Region, in coordination with the Barangay Local Government Units (BLGUs), Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices (MSWDOs), Department of Education Schools Division Offices, and State/Local Universities and Colleges (S/LUCs), conducted a series of courtesy calls from 14-16 May 2025, in the municipalities of Bulan, Sorsogon; Daraga, Albay; and Libmanan, Camarines Sur.

A total of 547 student-beneficiaries attended the activity across the three municipalities, with 120 in Bulan, Sorsogon; 186 in Daraga, Albay; and 241 in Libmanan, Camarines Sur. The courtesy calls were held at the designated elementary schools where the tutoring sessions will be conducted.

These activities aimed to ensure that Tutors and Youth Development Workers (YDWs) are well-equipped and fully oriented prior to their deployment, scheduled from 19 May to 14 June 2025. The courtesy calls also helped reinforce coordination among key local stakeholders and establish the foundation for the effective implementation of the program within the communities.

During the visits, Tutors and YDWs were introduced to their respective School Focal Persons and Shadow Teachers to facilitate clear communication and coordination. They were also reminded of their essential roles in promoting literacy and in assisting parents in creating a supportive learning environment at home.

As part of the preparations, a total of 5,925 learning kits and modules were distributed to the three municipalities. Each kit includes a Learner Kit, a Learner’s Workbook, and a Nanay-Tatay Workbook. Bulan received 1,250 kits, Daraga received 2,210 kits, and Libmanan was allocated 2,465 kits. Additionally, Tutors and Youth Development Workers (YDWs) were provided with their official identification cards and pre-test materials to help ensure a smooth and organized start to the program.

TBTP is a reformatted educational assistance initiative that offers college students and low-income families a cash-for-work opportunity. Under the directives of Secretary Rex Gatchalian and the leadership of Regional Director Norman S. Laurio, the program engages tutors to facilitate literacy sessions for struggling elementary readers and to conduct Nanay-Tatay sessions.

The program aims to reduce the vulnerability of Filipino children and youth by strengthening their foundational literacy skills and empowering them to actively contribute to nation-building. ###