CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office MIMAROPA strengthened the implementation of the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program (TBTP) in the province of Oriental Mindoro through the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on March 4, 2026, held at the Mindoro State University (MinSu) Campus in Calapan City.

Following the successful pilot implementation of the program in 2025 in the municipality of Baco, TBTP will expand its coverage in 2026 to include the municipalities of Puerto Galera and Victoria. The program aims to improve the reading proficiency of struggling learners while providing Cash-for-Work opportunities and practical teaching experience for college student-beneficiaries who will serve as tutors.

The signing ceremony was attended by key local officials, including Mayor Allan Roldan of Baco, Mayor Robinhood Ylagan of Puerto Galera, and Mayor Richard Inciong of Victoria, who expressed their full support for the program’s implementation in their respective municipalities. They emphasized the importance of collective efforts in strengthening children’s reading skills while empowering college students through meaningful community engagement.

Representing DSWD were National Program Management Office Regional Monitor Karen Agcaoili, FO MIMAROPA Innovations Division Chief Geneliza Gabilan, and Regional Program Coordinator Joy Caren Maderazo. The event was also attended by representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd) Oriental Mindoro, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices of Baco, Puerto Galera, and Victoria, as well as partner Higher Education Institutions—Mindoro State University (MinSu), Baco Community College (BCC), and Colegio de Puerto Galera.

In a message delivered by Chief Gabilan on behalf of Regional Director Benchie B. Gonzales, the Director highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration in achieving the program’s goals. “The continued expansion of the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program reflects the power of partnership among national agencies, local governments, and academic institutions. Through our shared commitment, we are not only improving children’s reading proficiency but also empowering our youth to become partners in nation-building,” the message stated.

Through strengthened collaboration among DSWD, local government units, DepEd, and academic institutions, the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program continues to promote children’s literacy while providing opportunities for youth engagement and community development.