Naga city: The Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program (TBTP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) has significantly boosted reading literacy skills among its beneficiaries, with a 77 percent improvement in Filipino and a remarkable 148 percent enhancement in English reading skills.
According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD-5 Regional Director Norman Laurio reported that the TBTP effectively enhanced the reading capabilities of early-grade learners who were assessed to need varying levels of intervention in reading Filipino and English. The program demonstrated substantial progress in these areas.
Based on an analysis by the Department of Education (DepEd-5), the TBTP reading level assessment results showed notable improvements. In the Filipino reading evaluation, an initial assessment involving 2,004 Grade 1 pupils revealed that after 20 days of learning sessions, the number of students requiring full intervention decreased by 66 percent, dropping from 110 to 37 students. Similarly, those needing moderate intervention fell by 62 percent, from 520 to 200 learners, and those requiring light intervention reduced by 38 percent, from 594 to 368 learners. Overall, the number of students meeting reading expectations increased by 77 percent, rising from 780 to 1,381 students.
In the English reading assessment, an initial evaluation of 1,984 students identified several needs: 66 students required full intervention, which saw a dramatic 91 percent reduction, bringing the number down to just six students. Moderate intervention needs decreased by 82 percent, from 648 to 116 students, while light intervention requirements reduced by 40 percent, from 690 to 414 students. The number of students meeting reading expectations increased by 148 percent, soaring from 580 to 1,441 students.
Laurio highlighted that the TBTP, known as a reformatted educational assistance, supports college students through a cash-for-work program as tutors and youth development workers (YDW). "For 20 days, they worked hard and persevered to be guides for children who struggle to read, and they also worked alongside parents who are their children's first teachers and supporters," he stated.
He emphasized that the tutors and YDWs served as "heroes" for young learners and their families, guiding the children in their reading journey and strengthening parent-child relationships. The program surpassed its target of 4,545 beneficiaries, ultimately serving 4,556 individuals. This included 601 college tutors and YDWs, 1,950 parents (some with more than one learner), and 2,005 learners.
Through the Cash-for-Work component, tutors and YDWs received PHP8,300 each, equivalent to the regional minimum wage for three hours of daily work. Parents received PHP235 per day, totaling PHP4,700 upon completion of the 20-day session. Overall, the program invested over PHP13 million in the Bicol Region.
