DSWD Field Office Caraga Assistant Regional Director for Operations (ARDO) Jean Paul Parajes, representing Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga, welcomed program partners, including representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Office, the DepEd Schools Division Offices of Siargao and Butuan City, Surigao del Norte State University – Del Carmen, Caraga State University, and the local government units (LGUs) of Dapa and General Luna.

The workshop aimed to clarify the Tara, Basa! Program for all participants, define partner roles and responsibilities to ensure seamless implementation and accountability, and strengthen stakeholder collaboration. It also focused on refining program activities and timelines to better suit the specific needs of Region 13 and developing a comprehensive action plan. This plan will include strategies for resource allocation, identification of potential challenges, and the establishment of measurable success metrics.

The Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program is a re-engineered educational assistance initiative of the DSWD that empowers college students to tutor non-readers and struggling readers in public elementary schools, while simultaneously training them as Youth Development Workers (YDWs). These YDWs also facilitate Nanay-Tatay sessions, equipping parents with the knowledge and skills to create supportive home learning environments.

The workshop is expected to significantly enhance the Tara, Basa! program’s impact by strengthening its implementation framework and promoting stakeholder collaboration. Ultimately, it aims to position the program as a key driver of social and educational development in the Caraga region and potentially serve as a model for national implementation.