A total of 84 tutors and Youth Development Workers (YDWs) successfully completed a five-day intensive capability-building training under the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program (TBTP), culminating on April 17, 2026, at Visayas State University RDE Building. The training marks a significant step in reinforcing local literacy efforts through strengthened collaboration among academic institutions and government agencies.
The culminating activity gathered key stakeholders, including Education Program Supervisors from the Baybay Division, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), deans from the Colleges of Teacher Education of Visayas State University (VSU) and the Franciscan College of the Immaculate Conception (FCIC), as well as 21 school heads and Education Supervisors from Baybay City Divion headed by Dr. Joan Cerna-Rapada, Chief Education Supervisor-CID of Department of Education (DepEd) demonstrating a united front in addressing foundational learning gaps.
Of the 84 participants, 42 YDWs came from the Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Bachelor of Science in Midwifery programs, while the remaining 42 tutors represented the College of Teacher Education. The group was guided by academic leaders, including Dr. Ma. Victoria Gonzaga, Dean of the College of Teacher Education and at the same time the Taea, Basa Focal of FCIC ; Mr. Dellio V. Belmores, the Program Head; Aisa Porcare, RM, BSM, MMPHA, Dean of the Midwifery Department; and Shiena Marie Bagtong, RCrim, Program Head of Criminology. The presence of Franciscan sisters, Sister Ma. Teresita Lopez, OSF, Sister Ma. Isabel Arnaiz, and Sister Ma. Anette Escasinas, OSF and Faculty member, Mr. Jose Cayunda and Mrs. Gemma Quiamco during the culmination highlighted the institution’s strong support and commitment to the program.
Setting the tone of the event, TBTP Baybay Team Leader Miss Jirah Jamorawon presented the Rationale, objectives and mission of the program, emphasizing the importance of a tri-partite partnership among stakeholders in addressing literacy challenges in the community.
Meanwhile, Mr. Richard Dano, Learners’ Rights Protection Focal Person of the Schools Division Office (SDO) Baybay, delivered a comprehensive discussion on the Child Protection Policy. He underscored the responsibility of tutors and YDWs to uphold ethical standards and ensure safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environments for children. In the afternoon, the event transitioned into a recognition ceremony where participants received certificates for successfully completing the training. Hon. Dr. Jose Bacusmo, Baybay City Counselor welcomed the participants in behalf of Hon. City Mayor Jose Carlos L. Cari. Inspiring messages were given by the two participating schools. The FCIC School President School President, Sister Mary Michael G. Bactong, OSF, whose message was delivered by Sister Ma. Teresita Lopez, OSF, emphasized that service is a concrete expression of love, encouraging participants to serve with humility, courage, and faith, and to recognize that even small acts can create meaningful impact in the lives of learners.
The success of the training was made possible through the collaborative efforts of partner institutions, including DSWD Eastern Visayas headed by Regional Director, Grace Q. Subong, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Baybay City, headed by Mayor Jose Carlos Cari, the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Office, headed by Mr. Manuel Icon P. Donaire, the Department of Education (DepEd) Baybay Division, headed by Dr. Manuel P. Albaño and the Visayas State University which hosted the event.
Now equipped with enhanced skills and a renewed sense of purpose, the tutors and YDWs are set to take on the frontlines of literacy which starts on May 11, 2026 and ends on June 5, 2026 carrying forward the mission of ensuring that every child in Baybay City has the opportunity to read, learn, and succeed.
By Lei Rea Salde BSED English III
