The Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program is a government initiative that seeks to enhance children’s literacy. But can this program reach children who are living in remote areas? Through the joint efforts of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), it certainly can!
By working together, these two agencies will able to bring the literacy program to children residing in far-flung communities, including the Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan, Palawan. Keep on reading to learn all about their latest announcement!
DSWD, PCG Work Together for Children’s Literacy
According to a Facebook post by the PCG, DSWD Undersecretary for Innovations Edu Punay and PCG Spokesperson CG Rear Admiral Armando Balilo discussed the initiative on 10 May 2024, during the 7th Founding Anniversary of the Coast Guard Civil Relations Service (CGCRS).
“Coast Guardians can offer more than manpower and floating assets to speed up DSWD’s relief operations,” CG Rear Admiral Balilo stated. “We have licensed teachers and experienced educators who could utilize their skills and expertise through the ‘Tara Basa’ Tutoring Program that we can coincide with Department’s humanitarian missions.”
Reaching More Filipino Children
The PCG Spokesperson explained that joining forces with the DSWD will enable them to reach more Filipino children — not only in Pag-asa Island, but also in other remote communities that have limited access to quality education.
“We also have the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary that believes in our mission to support the Filipino youth by providing teaching assistants, educational equipment, school supplies, and advanced learning materials,” CG Admiral Balilo added. “Having the DSWD with us in implementing this literacy program will definitely expand its impact towards community development.”
PCG a Reliable Partner – DSWD Usec. Punay
In response, DSWD Usec. Punay welcomed the proposal to coordinate with the PCG.
“The Philippine Coast Guard has always been our partner, not just in disaster response and relief operations, but in many other programs of the Department,” he said. “Our joint efforts to serve our ‘kababayans’ have been fruitful such that we support any new areas of collaboration with the organization.”
The DSWD Undersecretary thanked the PCG and urged “Coast Guardians” to keep on providing compassionate service, remain apolitical, and continue keeping the government free from any forms of corruption.
“Through the unwavering commitment of the men and women of the Coast Guard, they have become a beacon of hope for communities in need, reaching the farthest corners of our archipelago with essential support and services,” DSWD Usec. Punay stated. “Let us forge ahead with renewed vigor and determination, knowing that together, we can overcome any challenge and build a brighter future for all Filipinos.”
Soon, the DSWD and the PCG are set to conduct a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing ceremony to formalize the partnership.
Final Thoughts
Thanks to the DSWD and the PCG, initiatives such as the Tara Basa! Tutoring Program will be able to reach children residing in remote areas. Indeed, great things can be achieved when people and organizations work together!
Another literacy-related initiative of the DSWD is the Reception and Study Center for Children or RSCC. Visit this link to read more about this facility for Filipino children!