THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said learners under its Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program posted positive results in English and Filipino literacy, based on an assessment conducted by the Department of Education.
The assessment was carried out by the Bureau of Education Assessment in 12 implementing regions during the program’s 2025 rollout.
DSWD officials said 45,794 incoming Grade 2 learners from 2,295 elementary schools were assessed out of the 55,932 learners enrolled in the program.
Results showed that 72.39 percent or 33,149 learners reached the “Meets Expectations” level in Filipino literacy, while 70.08 percent or 32,094 learners achieved the same level in English.
“This positive result from DepEd proves that Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program is effective and will help prepare the future generation to become globally competitive,” DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said.
The assessment also showed that 21,801 learners in Filipino and 20,013 learners in English improved from lower proficiency levels to meet expected standards.
“The data clearly shows strong upward movement in learners’ reading skills, with many improving from lower proficiency levels, proving the program’s effectiveness in helping struggling readers,” Dumlao said.
The report noted high retention rates among learners already performing at expected levels, with 93.76 percent in Filipino and 95.39 percent in English maintaining their proficiency.
The DSWD said it will continue to improve the program and provide targeted interventions for learners who still require support as part of its commitment to inclusive child development.
