The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) intensifies preparations for the expansion of the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program (TBTP), coordinating with local government units (LGUs) and other partner agencies to engage more beneficiaries in 2026.
In Mandaluyong City, a total of 440 beneficiaries are expected to be part of the program this year.
Preparations for the city’s participation were discussed during an exploratory meeting TBTP Regional Program Management Office (RPMO) of the National Capital Region (NCR) together with representatives from the Mandaluyong City LGU last January 13.
The meeting at the Mandaluyong City Hall tackled key details, including program guidelines, provisions of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the 2026 rollout, and the designation of community coordinators who will help ensure smooth and effective program execution.
Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, the DSWD spokesperson, highlighted the significance of expanding the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program to urban communities such as Mandaluyong City.
“Ang pagpapalawak po ng Tara, Basa! ay bahagi ng ating patuloy na pagsisikap na maabot ang mas maraming kabataan at pamilya na nangangailangan ng tulong,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said on Tuesday (January 20).
Alongside developments in the NCR, the DSWD’s Field Office (FO) 10 (Northern Mindanao) is also busy preparing for the expanded implementation of the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program.
Since the start of January, the FO 10 has been holding coordination meetings with partner stakeholders and orientation sessions for college students interested in joining the program.
These activities aim to strengthen partnerships with LGUs, state and local universities and colleges (SLUCs), and other stakeholders, ensuring a shared understanding of program guidelines, roles, and expectations.
Coordination efforts are also being extended to areas being considered for program expansion in Region 10 and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Asst. Secretary Dumlao said the DSWD is focused on ensuring that the program’s expansion remains inclusive and sustainable.
“Tinitiyak din po ng DSWD na habang lumalawak ang saklaw ng Tara, Basa!, nananatiling maayos, organisado, at makabuluhan ang implementasyon nito. Layunin po natin ang masiguro na ang tulong na ibinibigay ay tunay na nakatutulong sa pagkatuto ng mga bata at sa empowerment ng ng ating mga kabataang katuwang ng programa bilang tutor-beneficiaries at youth development workers,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao pointed out.
The Tara, Basa! RPMOs from other regions are also conducting exploratory and preparatory meetings, with the aim of reaching more beneficiaries in areas not yet engaged by the program.
Initiated by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the TBTP was launched in August 2023 and was designated as a flagship program of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Administration through Executive Order (EO) No. 76 in 2024.
The TBTP serves as the reformatted educational assistance initiative of the DSWD.
As preparations continue nationwide, the DSWD, together with its partner stakeholders, reaffirms its commitment to delivering a well-coordinated and impactful implementation of Tara, Basa!, bringing quality learning support closer to children who need it most while empowering students and families through education and assistance. (CC)
