THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will enhance children literacy through the “Tara Basa” Tutoring Program for Filipino students residing in far-flung communities, including the Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan, Palawan.
PCG Spokesperson, CG Rear Admiral Armando Balilo, discussed this initiative with DSWD Undersecretary for Innovations Edu Punay during the 7th Founding Anniversary of the Coast Guard Civil Relations Service (CGCRS) on 10 May 2024.
“Coast Guardians can offer more than manpower and floating assets to speed up DSWD’s relief operations. We have licensed teachers and experienced educators who could utilize their skills and expertise through the ‘Tara Basa’ Tutoring Program that we can coincide with Department’s humanitarian missions,” CG Rear Admiral Balilo shared.
The Coast Guard Spokesperson said working with the DSWD will allow the PCG to reach more Filipino children, not just in Pag-asa Island, but also in other far-flung communities with limited access to quality education.
“We also have the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary that believes in our mission to support the Filipino youth by providing teaching assistants, educational equipment, school supplies, and advanced learning materials. Having the DSWD with us in implementing this literacy program will definitely expand its impact towards community development,” CG Rear Admiral Balilo furthered.
The PCG and DSWD are set to conduct a memorandum of agreement ( MOA ) signing ceremony to formalize the partnership.
For his part, DSWD Usec. Punay welcomed the proposal to collaborate with the PCG.
“The Philippine Coast Guard has always been our partner, not just in disaster response and relief operations, but in many other programs of the Department,” Usec. Punay expressed.
“Our joint efforts to serve our ‘kababayans’ have been fruitful such that we support any new areas of collaboration with the organization,” he added.
Usec. Punay expressed his gratitude to Coast Guardians and urged them to continue providing compassionate service, remain apolitical, and keep the Philippine government free from any forms of corruption.
“Through the unwavering commitment of the men and women of the Coast Guard, they have become a beacon of hope for communities in need, reaching the farthest corners of our archipelago with essential support and services,” he said.
“Let us forge ahead with renewed vigor and determination, knowing that together, we can overcome any challenge and build a brighter future for all Filipinos,” Usec. Punay ended.
