DepEd, DSWD renew commitment on expanded Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




To support learners’ literacy development, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have renewed their partnership on implementing the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program (TBTP).



DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Friday at the DepEd Central Office in Pasig City.



The Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program was recently declared a flagship program of President Bongbong Marcos Jr. through Executive Order No. 76, s. 2024 signed on November 22, 2024. This aims to address foundational literacy gaps among struggling learners while providing temporary work opportunities for financially challenged college students.



“I know this has been very successful and it was declared a flagship program by Malacañang recently, and we are very happy and fortunate to be part of it and we will do our best to make it succeed,” Sec. Angara noted.



TBTP program targets Grade 1 learners identified as struggling readers or incoming Grade 2 non-readers as its beneficiaries. It includes Nanay-Tatay Teacher Sessions to equip parents and guardians with tools to support their children’s literacy development. These sessions are conducted by pre-service teachers and Youth Development Workers (YDW) in exchange for financial aid and work experience.



In its first year of implementation this 2024, TBTP reached 120,359 college students, struggling and non-reader elementary learners, and parent beneficiaries.



Through an inter-agency effort among national government agencies, SUCs, LGUs, and other stakeholders, the TBTP aims to reach 207,000 total beneficiaries in 2025.



“This is probably going to be one of the many collaborations with DepEd with the whole purpose of helping kids finish school, learning how to read, and at the same time transitioning, like I said from pure straight-out social welfare to something conditional and developmental,” Sec. Gatchalian said.



In the renewed partnership of the two agencies, DepEd will identify and assess learner-beneficiaries, improve capacity-building design for tutors with Ateneo Center for Educational Development (ACED), provide school venues, and assist in logistical arrangements.



“We are very grateful for this partnership with DSWD, definitely, it will improve the delivery of services with learning and I think the interface with DSWD and DepEd will be very fruitful and productive for our children and young learners," Sec. Angara noted.

DepEd Partners with PPP Center to Tackle Classroom Shortage Through Innovative Infrastructure Solutions

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In a significant step towards resolving the long-standing classroom shortage in the Philippines, the Department of Education (DepEd) has signed a landmark USD 1 million Technical Assistance Agreement with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center. The agreement, signed by DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara on Friday, marks a crucial milestone in addressing the country’s education infrastructure gap. This partnership will drive the construction of 15,000 classrooms in 2025 under the Public-Private Partnership for School Infrastructure Program Phase III (PSIP III). 

The Project Development and Monitoring Facility grant provided by the PPP Center aims to enhance the planning and execution of PSIP III, ensuring an efficient, transparent, and impactful implementation process. 

A Collaborative Vision for Educational Progress 

In his speech, Secretary Angara underscored the ambitious nature of the initiative, quoting poet Robert Browning: "A man's reach should exceed his grasp." He emphasized that DepEd, in collaboration with the PPP Center and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), is striving to exceed expectations to provide quality education infrastructure for millions of Filipino learners. *"How can we ask our learners to exceed their reach if we ourselves do not try to exceed our potentials?"* Angara remarked, underscoring the importance of institutional ambition in driving meaningful change. 

Aligned with National Priorities 

The initiative aligns seamlessly with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s vision of enhancing education quality and infrastructure. Secretary Angara highlighted the President’s commitment to creating better learning environments, which directly supports the administration's education reform agenda. "He [President Marcos] would appreciate this partnership because it not only improves the quality of education but also enhances the overall learning environment,"* Angara noted. 

An Ambitious Infrastructure Rollout 

Starting in 2025, DepEd plans to design, finance, and construct 15,000 classrooms across 1,600 schools in nine regions, benefiting over 600,000 learners nationwide. These classrooms will serve as safe, innovative, and conducive spaces for education, contributing significantly to DepEd's-Point Reform Agenda 

Beyond Construction: A Sustainable Future** The classrooms will be more than just four walls and a roof. DepEd is exploring holistic solutions that integrate sustainable energy systems, reliable internet connectivity, durable furniture, and efficient water systems. Furthermore, each classroom will be equipped with solar panel systems, rainwater catchments, and other climate-resilient features to ensure long-term sustainability and adaptability to environmental challenges. 

Strong Support from Key Stakeholders

Secretary Angara expressed gratitude to NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan for advocating and supporting the partnership. He also acknowledged the PPP Center, led by Executive Director Ma. Cynthia Hernandez, and other key officials, including Department of Finance (DoF) Usec. Catherine Fong and Private Sector Jobs and Skills Corporation President Josephine Romero, for their invaluable contributions. "Thank you, Sec. Balisacan, for your initiative and continued commitment to supporting the education sector. We are excited about the future collaborations ahead," Angara said. 

A Transformative Step Forward 

With the PPP model gaining renewed focus, DepEd aims to replicate the success of PSIP III across other educational infrastructure projects, including bundled campus developments, modern libraries, and innovative facilities. This partnership reflects a broader vision: education infrastructure is not merely about constructing buildings—it’s about laying the foundation for a brighter, more resilient future for millions of Filipino learners. As DepEd embarks on this ambitious journey, the collaboration with the PPP Center sets a strong precedent for how public and private sectors can work together to address systemic challenges and create transformative change. 

PNP Enhances Holiday Safety with 911 Emergency Hotline: Fast Response in Just 3-5 Minutes

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The Philippine National Police (PNP), through its Office of Communications and Electronics Service (CES), is stepping up efforts to ensure public safety during the holiday season. With increased travel, festive gatherings, and heightened activity across the country, the PNP reminds everyone to stay vigilant and rely on the universal emergency hotline 911 (then press 1) for immediate assistance.

Quick and Reliable Emergency Response with Advanced Technology

CES Director Police Brigadier General Warren Gaspar Tolito emphasized that emergencies tend to spike during the holidays, with common incidents including traffic accidents, electrical hazards, fireworks-related injuries, and medical emergencies caused by overindulgence in food and alcohol.

The good news? The PNP's emergency response capabilities have been significantly enhanced through advanced technology provided by NGA 911, the same system used in the United States and Europe. This upgrade enables first responders to reach emergency scenes within 3 to 5 minutes, whether in Metro Manila or provincial areas.

“This system allows us to pinpoint the exact location of a distress call and dispatch help faster than ever before,” said General Tolito.

How to Use the 911 Hotline Effectively

In an emergency, citizens are advised to:

Dial 911 from a cellphone or landline.

Press 1 to connect directly to the PNP.

Stay calm and clearly state the nature of the emergency.

Provide your name and address, along with any specific location details (e.g., floor number, nearby landmarks).

“The technology automatically captures the caller’s contact details and location, ensuring that help arrives swiftly,” General Tolito assured.

For Crime-Related Emergencies:

Observe and note details like the number of suspects, clothing descriptions, and hairstyles.

If a vehicle is involved, share its make, color, and license plate number, if visible.

Holiday Safety and Survival Tips from the PNP

General Tolito also shared key safety reminders to reduce risks during the festive season:

Secure Homes and Vehicles: Lock all doors and windows, and leave lights on to deter intruders.

Be Cautious with Electrical Appliances and Decorations: Avoid overloading outlets and inspect Christmas lights for damage.

Drive Responsibly: Avoid drunk driving and follow traffic rules.

Stay Alert in Public Spaces: Watch out for pickpockets and suspicious individuals.

Know Emergency Procedures: Ensure every family member knows how to call 911.

“The holiday season brings joy and celebration, but it also comes with heightened risks. Emergencies such as fires, thefts, medical crises, and vehicular accidents are more common during this time. Our goal is to minimize these risks and ensure every Filipino feels safe and secure,” General Tolito said.

DILG’s Revitalized Emergency 911 Initiative

The improved emergency response system is part of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)'s Revitalized Emergency 911 initiative, powered by NGA 911 LLC's Next-Generation Technology.

This nationwide effort has revolutionized the PNP's ability to respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies, bringing the Philippines closer to global standards in public safety and crisis management.

Final Reminder: One Number, One Call for Help

“At the first sign of danger, don’t hesitate—call 911 and press 1. Our emergency responders are prepared to act swiftly to protect you and your loved ones,” General Tolito emphasized.

This holiday season, let’s celebrate responsibly and stay vigilant. With the PNP’s enhanced emergency response system, help is just one call away. Stay safe, stay secure, and enjoy the festivities!