The provincial government has launched a free, community-based tutoring program aimed at reaching children with learning difficulties who often go unnoticed and unsupported.
Governor Amy Roa Alvarez led the inauguration of the “Tara, Basa!” Tutoring Program during a memorandum of agreement signing at Palawan State University, marking a coordinated effort to bring learning support closer to communities.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), will provide tutoring sessions for students who need help in reading and basic learning skills, particularly those who lack access to intervention services.
Alvarez said one of the biggest challenges in the education system is identifying children with learning difficulties at an early stage.
“Sa iba’t ibang antas, lalo na sa DepEd level, mahirap talagang matukoy ang mga batang may learning difficulties. Kaya mahalagang magsimula tayo sa tamang pag-identify sa kanila upang mabigyan sila ng nararapat na tulong,” she said.
She added that the provincial government is preparing to expand support for children with developmental conditions such as autism and ADHD through regular programs and specialist interventions.
“Plano naming magkaroon ng regular na programa para sa mga batang may learning disabilities. Mag-iinvite tayo ng mga developmental pediatricians, speech therapists, at iba pang specialists mula sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng bansa upang magbigay ng suporta,” Alvarez said.
All services under the program will be offered free of charge to ensure more families can access assistance.
“Libreng ipagkakaloob ng Provincial Government ang mga serbisyong ito upang ang mga batang nangangailangan ay magkaroon ng mapupuntahan at masandalan, lalo na’t alam natin na mahal ang ganitong mga serbisyo,” she added.
The program will be implemented by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) in partnership with DSWD and other institutions, with a focus on identifying children early and delivering targeted interventions.
“The first step is the identification of these children, so that concrete support and interventions can follow,” Alvarez said.
Through the initiative, the provincial government aims to strengthen reading skills while addressing gaps in access to learning and developmental support across Palawan communities.
