Bicol: A total of 4,556 Bicolanos benefited from the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Tara Basa Tutoring Program (TBTP) in 2025, an official said Tuesday. In an interview, DSWD-5 Regional Director Norman Laurio highlighted the agency's disbursement of PHP14.8 million in cash-for-training, work, and participation incentives.

According to Philippines News Agency, the program assisted 2,005 early-grade learners, 400 indigent college students who served as tutors, 201 youth development workers (YDWs), and 1,950 parents. The tutors conducted basic reading sessions in Filipino and English for early-grade learners needing additional support. Meanwhile, youth development workers facilitated the Nanay-Tatay Teacher Sessions to help parents understand their role in supporting their children's learning.

During the 20-day program, tutors and youth development workers received cash-for-work incentives at the regional daily minimum wage. Parents participated in sessions where they shared experiences, reflected on challenges, and learned practical ways to guide their children at home.

The program specifically supported 2,005 incoming Grade 2 pupils identified as struggling readers, who have since shown improvement in their reading skills in both English and Filipino, progressing from low-emergent levels to meeting basic expectations.

Looking ahead, Laurio mentioned that for 2026, the program is expected to have 9,200 beneficiaries, including 4,000 learners, 4,000 parents, 800 tutors, and 400 YDWs. College students were screened and endorsed by state and local universities and colleges using prescribed eligibility criteria. They must belong to low-income families, be in good academic standing, and be enrolled in education, social sciences, or other allied fields courses.

The Department of Education identified the students as struggling readers using the Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment.