A total of 381 students from Caraga State University (CSU) Main Campus and Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU) Del Carmen Campus received a combined grant amounting to ₱828,675 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga through the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program’s (TBTP) two-day distribution held on August 13–14, 2025, in Butuan City and the municipality of Dapa.

Each student received ₱2,175, with 148 tutors and 73 Youth Development Workers (YDWs) coming from CSU, and 106 tutors and 54 YDWs from SNSU. The grant was awarded for their full attendance during the five-day capability building training, which served as preparation before they officially served as tutors and YDWs. The amount was computed based on the Caraga Region’s daily minimum wage rate of ₱435.

“I am truly grateful to the program for providing this assistance, which will be a big help as we prepare for the upcoming Licensure Examination for Teachers,” remarked Jorelle Escote, TBTP tutor.

She further underscored the holistic impact of the program, not only for the youth but also for the children they serve.

“TBTP allows us to experience personal growth while making a difference in the lives of young learners. It equips us with the skills, values, and confidence to become better educators and role models for the next generation,” she added.

The TBTP is one of the flagship programs of the DSWD, spearheaded by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, that mobilizes college education students as tutors and social work-related students as Youth Development Workers (YDWs) to help non-readers or struggling incoming Grade 2 learners strengthen their literacy skills. Tutors provide direct reading instruction, while YDWs conduct Nanay-Tatay sessions to guide parents on effective ways to support their children’s learning at home.

The program also offers these students opportunities to earn and gain practical experience. By integrating capacity building with community service, it fosters a cycle of learning, empowerment, and social responsibility.

The financial assistance serves as recognition of the tutors’ and YDWs’ contributions and as an investment in their continued growth as future educators and community leaders, with their skills and experiences expected to benefit more learners in the years ahead.