The Franciscan College of the Immaculate Conception (FCIC) officially sealed its partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Local Government Unit of Baybay City, Visayas State University (VSU), and the Department of Education – Schools Division of Baybay City through the ceremonial Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the TARA, BASA! Tutoring Program, held at the Baybay City Hall.
The TARA, BASA! Tutoring Program is a developmental and community-based social protection initiative designed to support low-income families, incoming Grade 2 learners, and their parents by improving foundational literacy skills through reading. The program also empowers college students to actively participate in nation-building by serving as Tutors and Youth Development Workers (YDWs) under a Cash-for-Work scheme.
Notably, FCIC is the first private higher education institution in the country to be selected as a recipient and partner of the TARA, BASA! Tutoring Program for college student participants—a milestone that underscores the College’s strong commitment to community engagement, literacy development, and inclusive education.
The ceremonial MOA signing was graced by key officials from the partner institutions and agencies, led by Hon. Jose Carlos L. Cari, City Mayor of Baybay City; Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, President of Visayas State University; and Dr. Manuel P. Albaño, Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd Baybay City, together with Baybay City administrators and representatives from the participating agencies.
Representing the Franciscan College of the Immaculate Conception was Sister M. Teresita Lopez, OSF, Vice President for Administration, attending on behalf of Sister Mary Michael G. Bactong, OSF, School President. Also present to witness the ceremonial MOA signing were Sister M. Annette Escasinas, OSF, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Maria Victoria A. Gonzaga, Dean of the College of Teacher Education; and Mr. Dellio V. Belmores, Program Head of the College of Teacher Education.
From the DSWD Field Office VIII, key officials in attendance included Ms. Ofelia O. Pagay, SWO V and Chief of the Innovation Division, and Ms. Leila E. Auditor, SWO V and Officer-in-Charge, Assistant Regional Director for Operations, along with other DSWD personnel who will support the program’s implementation.
Through this partnership, student tutors—particularly from the College of Teacher Education—will have the opportunity to apply pedagogical skills in real community settings while assisting young learners and parents in strengthening early reading and literacy skills. The initiative reflects a shared vision among partner institutions to promote inclusive education, youth empowerment, and social protection.
All institutions and agencies present during the MOA signing affirmed their collective commitment to the successful implementation and sustainability of the TARA, BASA! Tutoring Program, recognizing its transformative impact on learners, families, student tutors, and the wider community.
This partnership marks another significant milestone in FCIC’s mission of forming competent, compassionate, and Christ-centered educators, while reinforcing its role as a trailblazer among private institutions in advancing national literacy and community development initiatives.
By: Dellio V. Belmores, LPT, M.A.Ed
