May 06, 2026 – The DSWD Field Office IV-A, in partnership with local and state universities and colleges, began the reading tutorial sessions for 3,855 learners across the CALABARZON Region last May 4, 2026 under the Tara Basa! Tutoring Program (TBTP).

These learners, who are incoming Grade 2 pupils and have been identified by the Department of Education (DepEd) as struggling readers, are from 250 elementary schools in Bacoor City, Lucena City, and 33 municipalities in Quezon Province.

Under the TBTP, the DSWD engages college students from partner colleges and universities to conduct reading tutorial sessions for these learners for 20 days to help the children improve their literacy and prepare them for the upcoming school year.

Other than tutorial sessions, the college students also conduct Nanay-Tatay sessions for the parents to impart necessary skills on responsible parenting and capacitate them to help their children continue practicing reading at home.

In the succeeding days, tutorial sessions will also commence for 1,395 learners in Tayabas City, Quezon; Calaca City, Batangas; and Sta. Cruz and Cavinti, Laguna.

For this year’s implementation of the program, the DSWD has engaged a total of 1,673 college students from 19 local and state universities and colleges in the region.#