SOCIAL Welfare and Development Secretary Rexlon “Rex” Gatchalian expressed the readiness of the agency to collaborate with the Department of Education (DepEd) in its efforts to combat illiteracy. Gatchalian highlighted the support of Pasig Lone District Rep. Roman Romulo, leader of the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture, in the agency’s desire to work hand in hand with DepEd to boost literacy.
“As Congressman Roman mentioned, all the reforms are there, and we just want to convey to the Department of Education that in any of those reforms, you may need the department because you know that we have a bit of financial capacity to incentivize beneficiaries,” Gatchalian said.
This collaborative approach exemplifies the whole-of-government approach advocated by our President. While education falls within DepEd’s domain and not our core competency, we are committed to supporting their mission to eradicate illiteracy in our country,” he added.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already made significant contributions to literacy initiatives. Through the Tara, Basa Tutoring Program, the DSWD has provided assistance to 31,234 struggling and non-reader elementary students, as well as 31,207 parents and guardians. These sessions, led by competent college students, aim to improve reading skills and provide parenting support.
In recognition of the services delivered, the DSWD has implemented a cash-for-work (CFW) program. A total of 6,101 low-income college students from selected state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local government-run universities in the National Capital Region have received financial assistance through this program.
Gatchalian emphasized the need for collaboration with DepEd to further enhance the DSWD’s education assistance program. “We wanted to reformulate our education assistance program, but we needed the technical expertise of DepEd because, as you know, we are in the field of social welfare and development, and education is your core competency. However, we wanted to make sure that the assistance we provide to college graduates has conditions aligned with nation-building,” he explained.
Building on the success of the Tara, Basa Tutoring Program, the DSWD plans to continue the program in Metro Manila and expand it to provinces such as Bulacan and Marawi. This modified educational assistance program empowers and deploys college students as tutors in elementary schools, enabling them to teach poor and struggling readers.
By collaborating with DepEd, the DSWD aims to create an environment of learning and support for students who are facing difficulties in reading. This partnership not only addresses the immediate need for literacy improvement but also contributes to the long-term goal of eradicating illiteracy in the country.
Through the joint efforts of the DSWD and DepEd, the government demonstrates its commitment to a comprehensive approach in addressing social issues. By combining resources and expertise, they can make a significant impact on the lives of struggling readers, their families, and the overall development of the nation.
The collaboration between the DSWD and DepEd serves as a testament to the power of interagency cooperation in achieving common goals. It sets a precedent for future partnerships that can bring about positive change and transform the lives of individuals and communities.
Source: The Manila Times
