DSWD Seeks Partnership with SEAIT for “Tara, Basa!” Tutoring Program

To provide socioeconomic opportunities for poor and low-income families with college and elementary students, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office XII (DSWD XII) sought a partnership with the South East Asian Institute of Technology (SEAIT) for the implementation of the “Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program,” which offers Cash-for-Work support while promoting community engagement and educational assistance.

During the Exploratory Meeting, Mr. Janmark B. Lapiz, Project Development Officer III, explained that the program aims to empower youth beneficiaries through the provision of financial assistance, capability-building activities, and leadership preparation to reduce their vulnerabilities; ease parents’ financial burdens while strengthening their capacity to support their children’s education and well-being; and enhance collaboration to improve program support, resource mobilization, and community engagement.

Meanwhile, the program targets second- to fourth-year college students from poor or low-income families identified through the “Listahanan” database or LGU assessment; Grade 1 non-readers or struggling readers who are incoming Grade 2 learners from low-income families enrolled in public elementary schools; and the parents, guardians, or parent-substitutes of these elementary learners.

The meeting also highlighted the program components, qualifications of college student beneficiaries, functions of higher education institutions (HEIs), roles and responsibilities of college students, and other key matters related to the program.

In attendance were Melfe O. Ampoloquio, RPC; Nerissa Marie Elmido, CO; Raiza Rae V. Fagalas, PTL; Mary Joy G. Gandi, CC; and Joshua Dalawan, CC, representatives from the DSWD, along with Engr. Milagros S. Tamayo, MIM, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Vice President for Academics, and the deans and program heads of SEAIT.

The future partnership between SEAIT and DSWD XII underscores a shared commitment to advancing inclusive education and community development, as the “Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program” is expected to not only improve the reading competencies of young learners but also provide meaningful support and opportunities for college students and families