The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program (TBTP) has successfully concluded its learning sessions at one of the DSWD’s Centers and Residential Care Facilities (CRCFs) in Muntinlupa City on Monday (March 2).

Earlier last February the TBTP facilitated a 20-day Nanay-Tatay learning session for the 33 residents of Muntinlupa City, while children aged 10 to 17 residing in the CRCF underwent tutorial sessions from college tutors.

“We are proud to announce the successful completion of another learning session this year. Our beneficiaries residing in DSWD centers have received not only temporary shelter, but also meaningful opportunities to grow and acquire valuable lessons that will guide them in their future endeavors,” Undersecretary Edu Punay of the DSWD’s Innovations and Program Development Group (IPDG) said on Tuesday (March 3).

According to Undersecretary Punay, who also serves as the TBTP National Program Director, Nanay-Tatay sessions is a key component of the Tara, Basa! program.

The sessions, which empowers parents to become their children’s “first teachers” at home, focuses on practical parenting skills that strengthen support for children’s literacy, education, and overall development.

One of the beneficiaries, identified as “Hope” expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the sessions.

“Malaki po ang pasasalamat ko na naging bahagi ako ng nanay-tatay session dahil natutunan ko po kung paano mas mabigyan ng suporta ang aking anak,” Hope said during the culminating activity of the ‘Tara, Basa! sa CRCF.’

Hazelle Castillo, a team leader of the Tara, Basa! tutors in CRCFs, expressed pride in the program’s accomplishments.

Castillo, who is both a tutor and a parent, emphasized the importance of family-centered learning interventions in promoting long-term child development.

“Bilang aspiring teacher at isang magulang na rin, mahalaga para sa akin ang role ko rito kasi tuwing may session, nararamdaman mo iyong pasasalamat talaga nila na naibababa natin iyong programa sa kanila. Naibabahagi ko rin iyong mga karanasan ko, natututo rin ako sa bawat kwento [ng mga benepisyaryo],” Castillo said.

In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the DSWD continues to expand its support for children, youth, low-income families, and vulnerable sectors by bringing programs and services closer to communities, through learning sessions in the CRCFs.

The TBTP plans to sustain and expand the learning sessions in other DSWD centers as part of the Marcos administration’s commitment to creating meaningful change and lasting impact for children and the youth with the Tara, Basa! sa CRCFs.

The Tara, Basa! program is one of the key initiatives of the DSWD under the Office of the Undersecretary for IPDG, affirming that learning is not confined within the four walls of a classroom and that any space embracing the spirit of bayanihan can become a venue for knowledge and growth. (KB)