CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines—Over 300 students from Samar State University (SSU) are currently participating in the “Capability Building Activity for Tutors and Youth Development Workers (YDW)” under the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program from April 21 to 25, 2025, at the SSU Maceda Gymnasium, Catbalogan City. This is a joint program by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Education (DepEd) that will provide short-term employment to underprivileged college students through Cash-for-Work by serving as tutors and youth development workers (YDW) for non-reader pupils and their parents.
The first day of the 5-day capacity-building activity delved into various key topics, including the roles and responsibilities of the tutors and YDWs, the cash-for-work component, legal foundations of safe spaces, data privacy and child protection, basic gender and cultural sensitivity, and financial literacy. The sessions were facilitated by experts from various educational institutions, including Dr. Paulina Gabon, Education Program Supervisor of SDO Catbalogan; Ms. Maybelyn B. Paden, Master Teacher II at SDO Ormoc City; Dr. Leancel M. Homeres, Associate Professor V of EVSU Main Campus; Mr. Glendo Carido, Chief of SDO Samar (Curriculum Implementation Division); Dr. Myra Pilpa, Director for NwSSU’s Office of Student Affairs; and Mr. Leio Nito L. Caliba, Head of DSWD VIII (Regional Juvenile Justice Welfare Council).
Today, April 22, the trainees are set to tackle topics along the lines of recognizing the diversity of learners, identifying learning styles and preferences, and understanding the elements and strategies of differentiated instruction.
Also present during the opening program was OIC University President, Engr. Lourdes P. Amante, Acting Dean of the College of Education; Dr. Laura B. Boller, Director for the Research Center for Culture and Social Issues; Dir. Maria Rubi M. Parrocho, and Director for Student Welfare and Development Services and Focal Person for YDWs, Dr. Mae V. Cañal.