A total of 262 students from Bukidnon State University (BukSU) have been deployed across Bukidnon province to support the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program, a national initiative aimed at improving literacy and strengthening parental involvement in early childhood education.
The program assigns students from the College of Education, Community Development, Development Communication, and Sociology departments to 57 schools in the municipalities of San Fernando, Lantapan, Kitaotao, and Impasugong.
Of the total, 175 students from the College of Education are assigned as tutors, providing reading instruction to incoming Grade 2 pupils who have been identified as non-readers or struggling readers. The remaining 87 students, primarily in their second and third years, are serving as Youth Development Workers (YDWs). Their role includes facilitating parenting sessions that encourage active family involvement in children’s learning and development at home.
As part of their participation, the students will receive daily compensation over the 20-day cycle through a cash-for-work arrangement. They will be housed in assigned schools for the duration of their deployment. Local government units (LGUs) are tasked with providing food support to the students while they are stationed in the communities.
Prior to deployment, student participants attended a five-day training session held from May 3 to 7 at BukSU. The training included an orientation with students and their parents and discussions with the regional program team. Sessions were led by resource persons to equip participants with the necessary skills to carry out their roles in the field.
“The Tara, Basa” Tutoring Program is not just a project. It is a shared commitment, a meaningful endeavor that connects hearts and homes to learning,” said Dr. Jiemalyn B. Paulican, BukSU’s director for Extension Services and Community Engagement Unit.
BukSU was tasked with identifying and endorsing eligible students from low-income families, assigning focal persons, and coordinating with DSWD, the Department of Education, and local government units throughout the implementation of the program.
The Tara, Basa! program integrates college students into community-based literacy efforts and family education support systems. It is part of DSWD’s restructured educational assistance framework and aims to build a learning environment where both children and families are engaged in foundational education.
Initially launched in the National Capital Region, Tara, Basa! is now being implemented in multiple regions nationwide, including Northern Mindanao, where Bukidnon is located, as well as in Ilocos Region, Bicol Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, MIMAROPA, CARAGA, Central Luzon, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, SOCCSKSARGEN, and CALABARZON.
