Zamboanga City - Tara Basa, Tutoring Program

On February 11, 2025, a significant milestone was achieved in Zamboanga City with the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program. This collaborative initiative brings together the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Zamboanga City, Department of Education (ZCD) and Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) to enhance literacy among elementary learners while providing socioeconomic opportunities for low-income families.

The MOA outlines the specific duties and responsibilities of each stakeholder to ensure the program’s effective implementation:
• DSWD: Responsible for formulating the program design and guidelines, providing technical assistance, and monitoring the program’s ex*****on.
• LGU of Zamboanga City: Tasked with facilitating community engagement, providing logistical support, and ensuring the program aligns with local educational initiatives.
• Western Mindanao State University: Committed to deploying qualified college students as tutors, offering them practical experience while aiding in the educational development of elementary learners.

This partnership aims to address foundational literacy gaps among young learners and offers college students the opportunity to gain valuable teaching experience. By working together, these institutions strive to foster community engagement and uplift the educational standards in Zamboanga City.

The event was led by Dir. Riduan P. Hadjimuddin, CESO III of DSWD FOIX, together with Dir. Ma. Socorro S. Macaso, ARDO, Dr. Nursia M. Barjose, VPAA of Western Mindanao State University, and Dir. Elma Solis-Salamat, Deputy Program Manager of the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program Central Office. Other guests also expressed their support, including Dr. Jocelyn T. Gaas, Dean of the College of Social Work and Community Development; Dr. Ricardo A. Somblingo, Dean of the College of Teacher Education; Dr. Raymond M. Salvador, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent; and Ma. Socorro A. Rojas, CSWDO Head.

The Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program is a testament to the power of collaboration in driving positive change within the community. As the program rolls out, it is expected to make a significant impact on the lives of both the tutors and the young learners they mentor.

Note: The Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program has been recognized as a flagship initiative by the national government, emphasizing its importance in addressing educational challenges across the country. 

On February 11, 2025, a significant milestone was achieved in Zamboanga City with the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program. This collaborative initiative brings together the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Zamboanga City, Department of Education (ZCD) and Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) to enhance literacy among elementary students while providing socioeconomic opportunities for low-income families.

The MOA outlines the specific duties and responsibilities of each stakeholder to ensure the program’s effective implementation:
• DSWD: Responsible for formulating the program design and guidelines, providing technical assistance, and monitoring the program’s ex*****on.
• LGU of Zamboanga City: Tasked with facilitating community engagement, providing logistical support, and ensuring the program aligns with local educational initiatives.
• Western Mindanao State University: Committed to deploying qualified college students as tutors, offering them practical experience while aiding in the educational development of elementary learners.

This partnership aims to address foundational literacy gaps among young learners and offers college students the opportunity to gain valuable teaching experience. By working together, these institutions strive to foster community engagement and uplift the educational standards in Zamboanga City.

The Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program is a testament to the power of collaboration in driving positive change within the community. As the program rolls out, it is expected to make a significant impact on the lives of both the tutors and the young learners they mentor.

Note: The Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program has been recognized as a flagship initiative by the national government, emphasizing its importance in addressing educational challenges across the country.