A week-long workshop orientation in collaboration between Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was held from March 16–20, 2026, at the EVSU Graduate School Function Hall. This initiative was designed to provide educational assistance to disadvantaged and struggling readers in public elementary schools, while simultaneously capacitating and empowering tutors and Youth Development Workers (YDW) through comprehensive training and simulation exercises.
The partnership was formally strengthened through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony between the university and the agency. The agreement thoroughly outlined the inclusions, strategies, and programs that will further nourish the collaboration. This orientation served as the pre‑implementation phase of the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program, to be followed by the implementation phase and concluded by the post‑implementation or final phase.
The closing day of the activity was marked by the presence of several key officials and experts, including EVSU President Dr. Dennis C. de Paz, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Benedicto Militante Jr., DSWD Project Development Officer III Mr. Jerolan T. Espanto, and DSWD Regional Director Dr. Grace Q. Subong. Their participation emphasized the importance of institutional support and inter‑agency collaboration in ensuring the success of the program.
The orientation week not only equipped tutors and YDWs with the tools to effectively guide learners but also displayed their commitment to educational equity and child protection. By bringing together academic leaders and social development experts, the initiative set a strong foundation for the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program to thrive. With the skills gained and partnerships reinforced, the program is positioned to make a lasting impact on literacy development and community empowerment across Eastern Visayas
This article is aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) SDG 04: Quality education; SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals; SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions
via MSP | UMDC
