The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is considering a collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) following the successful pilot implementation of the "Tara, Basa!" tutorial program. Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian stated that the DSWD is prepared to work with DepEd to assist in its educational initiatives aimed at decreasing illiteracy in the Philippines. Gatchalian mentioned that Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo, who chairs the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture, is in favour of the agency's proposal to join forces with DepEd to advance literacy efforts.
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized the willingness of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to collaborate with the Department of Education (DepEd) in various educational reforms. Gatchalian acknowledged Congressman Roman's statement that all the necessary reforms are in place, expressing the DSWD's readiness to provide financial support to incentivize beneficiaries and assist in any of DepEd's learning programs. Gatchalian recognized DepEd's pivotal role in the success of the tutorial program and highlighted that although DSWD may lack "core competence" in education, it is prepared to offer support to DepEd in its initiatives. Through the tutoring program, the DSWD successfully aided 31,234 struggling elementary learners and provided reading and parenting sessions for 31,207 parents and guardians through trained college students.
The department also extended cash-for-work opportunities to around 6,000 college students enrolled in state universities, colleges, and locally-managed universities in the National Capital Region. These students, hailing from low-income families and in their 2nd to 4th year, received compensation for the services they provided. The Secretary emphasized the agency's desire to revamp its education assistance program, highlighting the need for the technical expertise of the Department of Education (DepEd) since the department primarily operates in the field of social welfare and development.
