Bicol: More than 2,000 parents of learners who are beneficiaries of the Walang Gutom program have started receiving learning kits from the Tara, Basa! Tutoring program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD-5 Director Norman Laurio stated that the beneficiaries are parents with children currently in grade two, in areas where the program is implemented, including Daraga, Albay; Bulan, Sorsogon; and Libmanan, Camarines Sur.

"Aside from reducing costs as classes have resumed, this initiative also motivates other DSWD program beneficiaries to focus not only on family nutrition but also on their children's education, which is vital for their future. It also promotes the TBTP advocacy within the community," Laurio said.

The learning kits include new pencils, writing pads, envelopes, paper, crayons, erasers, and sharpeners.

Laurio mentioned that the selection process prioritized families in the Walang Gutom program with early-grade schoolers, based on the specific areas where "Tara, Basa!" is implemented.

"This initiative complements the monthly food supply and nutrition education sessions that Walang Gutom program beneficiaries already receive; it aims to contribute to the development of healthy Bicolano citizens and children passionate about pursuing their education," he added.

The distribution of 635 kits across 51 barangays in Daraga was completed during the WGP food redemption event held on June 23 and 25. Additionally, 262 kits were distributed Tuesday in 22 barangays of Libmanan.

The ongoing distribution, continuing until Thursday, includes 799 kits in Bulan and 399 kits in the remaining barangays of Libmanan.

Laurio added more kits would be distributed in the coming weeks.