Marcos declares ‘Tara, Basa!’ as flagship program

MANILA, Philippines —  In contrast to Vice President Sara Duterte’s self-authored “Isang Kaibigan” children’s book that sparked controversy over alleged misappropriation of funds, President Marcos has signed an order declaring the “Tara, Basa!” tutoring program a flagship government program.

The initiative aims to improve Filipino children’s reading skills.

Executive Order 76 directs agencies and local government units (LGUs) to assist in the implementation of the program, aimed at helping elementary students struggling to read while offering short-term work for financially challenged college students.

Around 120,359 college students, struggling and non-reader elementary learners and parents have benefited from the program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The DSWD and Department of Education (DepEd) launched the tutoring program on Aug. 2, 2023.

College students were trained and placed in selected elementary schools to enhance students’ reading proficiency.

Sessions for parents and guardians of beneficiaries were also provided.

In exchange for 20 tutorial and parenting sessions, college students received financial aid based on the regional minimum wage rate.

Parents and guardians were given a P235 fee per session in exchange for their attendance.

“One of the objectives of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and the administration’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda is to accelerate poverty reduction and economic transformation in the country, by providing accessible and quality education and job opportunities for all Filipinos,” Marcos said in issuing EO 76.

The President cited the Philippines’ commitment as a member-state of the United Nations to realizing UN Sustainable Development Goals 1 and 4, which pertain to the eradication of poverty in all forms through the implementation of social protection systems and the establishment of inclusive and equitable quality education.

Funding requirements for EO 76’s implementation will be charged against current and available appropriations of concerned agencies.

For its continued implementation, the program will be included in the budget proposals of agencies.

DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said EO 79 is a welcome development.

Based on EO 76 signed on Nov. 22 by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the DSWD, DepEd, Commission on Higher Education, National Youth Commission, state universities and colleges, LGUs and other agencies and stakeholders shall undertake steps for the successful implementation and expansion of the program.

The program was piloted in the National Capital Region last year and expanded this year in Central Luzon, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen and Calabarzon. – Sheila Crisostomo