The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Eastern Visayas State University-Ormoc Campus (EVSU-OC), successfully conducted the “Tara, Basa!” Tutoring Program from May 19 to June 13, 2025.
242 college student tutors from EVSU’s Teacher Education Department, who provided one-on-one and small group reading tutorials to struggling elementary learners, alongside “Nanay-Tatay” sessions for their parents. The joint effort focused on foundational literacy and enhanced parental involvement in early reading. With the trained EVSU tutors at the helm, the initiative reached hundreds of Grade 1 pupils in Ormoc. The capacity-building for tutors, conducted in April, included training on responsive teaching, cultural sensitivity, and engagement strategies—prepared by DSWD with support from DepEd and EVSU
The program is built on a conditional cash-for-work model: EVSU college students received daily stipends corresponding to regional minimum wage.
The elementary schools conducted culmination programs which were attended by the faculty and staff of EVSU-Ormoc on June 13, 2025. Following the successful completion, DSWD, DepEd, and EVSU plan to review outcomes—such as improvements in reading assessments and parental engagement. Building on lessons learned, they aim to refine tutor training, parental sessions, and consider broader rollout for School Year 2025–2026.

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