DSWD X, BukSU Deploy 262 Volunteer Students for “Tara, Basa!” Program Across Bukidnon

A total of 262 students from Bukidnon State University (BukSU) have begun their participation in the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) “Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program,” a 20-day initiative designed to support literacy efforts and provide educational assistance.

The program is implemented in collaboration with BukSU’s Extension Services and Community Engagement Unit.

Participants were drawn from BukSU’s College of Education, Community Development Department, Development Communication Department, Philosophy Department and Sociology Department. They will be deployed to 57 primary schools across Bukidnon beginning May 22.

College students participating in the “Tara, Basa!” program will serve as Tutors and Youth Development Workers (YDW) in designated communities, primarily supporting low-income families through educational services. In exchange, they will receive compensation under a cash-for-work arrangement.

Two-Pronged Approach: Tutors and YDWs

BukSU was responsible for identifying and screening eligible second- to fourth-year college students from low-income families, based on DSWD’s criteria. The university also endorsed qualified students, coordinated their deployment, designated focal persons, and worked with the DSWD, Department of Education, and local government units (LGUs) throughout the program’s implementation.

Out of the total participants, 175 are Education majors from the College of Education who will work as tutors, assisting Grade 2 students identified as non-readers or struggling readers.

Sessions will take place Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM, and 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

The remaining 87 students, mostly in their second and third year of college, are assigned as YDWs. They will conduct sessions for parents and guardians in participating communities, focusing on child care and home-based education to encourage active involvement in their children’s early learning.

Deployment and Living Arrangements

Students’ deployment began on May 19. Those assigned to San Fernando and Lantapan left on May 21, while the group heading to Kitaotao was scheduled to depart on May 22. Deployment to Impasugong remains pending. Students will reside in assigned schools during the program. Municipalities will provide food support during their stay.

Originally launched in the National Capital Region, the “Tara, Basa!” program is being implemented in other public elementary schools nationwide. Target regions include Ilocos Region, Bicol Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, MIMAROPA, CARAGA, Central Luzon, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao (including Bukidnon), SOCCSKSARGEN, and CALABARZON. (BukSU-Information Unit)