MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
[ EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 76, November 22, 2024 ]
DECLARING THE TARA, BASA! TUTORING PROGRAM AS A FLAGSHIP PROGRAM OF THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
WHEREAS, Section 17, Article II of the Constitution provides that the State shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all;
WHEREAS, Section 13, Article II of the Constitution declarers it a policy of the State to: (a) recognize the vital role of the youth in nation-building; (b) promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being; and (c) inculcate patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs;
WHEREAS, Section 2, Article XIV of the Constitution provides that the State shall encourage non-formal, informal, as well as self-learning, independent, out-of-school study programs, and other non-traditional learning systems, particularly those that respond to the needs of the community;
WHEREAS, Executive Order (EO) No. 123 (s. 1987), as amended by EO No. 292 or the "Administrative Code of 1987," mandates the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to formulate, develop, and implement plants, programs, and projects on social welfare and development aimed at providing assistance to the most vulnerable members of the society;
WHEREAS, the Philippines, as a Member-State of the United Nations (UN), is fully committed to realizing the UN Sustainable Development Goals Nos. 1 and 4, which pertains to the eradication of poverty in all forms through the implementation of appropriate social protection systems and measures, and establishment of inclusive and equitable quality education and promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for all, respectively;
WHEREAS, one (1) of the objectives of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and the Administration's 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda is to accelerate poverty reduction and economic transformation in the country, by providing accessible and quality education and job opportunities for all Filipinos;
WHEREAS, on 02 August 2023, the DSWD launched the "Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program," a holistic and community-based social welfare and development program that aims to help elementary learners, whO have difficulties learning how to read, to develop their foundational reading skills while offering short-term work for financially challenged tertiary level students;
WHEREAS, according to the DSWD, the "Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program" shall serve as a social intervention program catering to three (3) beneficiaries belonging to low-income families: (a) tertiary level students who shall be deployed as tutors or youth development workers; (b) parents and guardians of elementary students who are struggling readers; and (c) elementary students struggling or unable to read;
WHEREAS, the declaration of the "Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program" as a Flagship Program of the National Government will ensure the assistance of National Government Agencies (NGAs) and Local Government Units (LGUs), as well as encourage the private sector, in establishing a collaborative learning program that aims to provide educational opportunities for elementary students and financial assistance to tertiary level students, parents and guardians; and
WHEREAS, Section 17, Article VII of the Constitution vests in the President the power of control over all the Executive departments, bureaus, and offices, and the mandate to ensure the faithful execution of laws;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR., President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and existing laws, do hereby order:
Section 1. Flagship Program. The "Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program" is hereby declared as a Flagship Program of the National Government under the DSWD.
Section 2. Implementation. The DSWD, in coordination with the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, National Youth Commission, State Universities and Colleges, LGUs and other relevant NGAs and stakeholders, shall undertake the necessary steps for the successful implementation and expansion of the Program, subject to exiting laws, rules, and regulations. For this purpose, the DSWD shall establish the key components of the Program, including, but not limited to:
a. Identification of eligible beneficiaries;
b. Formulation of learning and development activities;
c. Development of databases for progress reporting; and
d. Creation of evaluation and monitoring for the Program.
The DSWD shall submit to the Office of the President, through the Office of the Executive Secretary, an annual report on the status and progress of the implementation of the "Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program."
Section 3. Convergence. All NGAs are hereby directed and LGUs are hereby encouraged to provide full support to and cooperation with the DSWD to ensure the successful implementation of this Order.
Section 4. Organizational Structure and Staffing Pattern. The DSWD shall determine the appropriate organizational structure, staffing pattern, and corresponding qualification standards for all positions necessary for the implementation of this Order, and submit the same for review and approval of the President and/or the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), subject to existing laws, rules and regulations, including the Organization and Staffing Standards and Guidelines issued by DBM and Civil Service Commission.
Pending approval of the organizational structure and staffing pattern, the DSWD may tap into their existing personnel to ensure the effective implementation of this Order.ℒαwρhi৷
Section 5. Implementing Guidelines. Within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this Order, the DSWD, in coordination with relevant government agencies, shall formulate and issue guidelines necessary for the effective implementation of this Order.
Section 6. Funding. The funding requirements for the initial implementation of this Order shall be charged against current and available appropriations of concerned agencies, subject to pertinent budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws.. Thereafter, the funding requirements necessary for the continued implementation of this Order shall be included in the budget proposals of said agencies, subject to the usual budget preparation process.
Section 7. Separability. If any part or provision of this Order shall be held invalid or unconstitutional, the provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 8. Repeal. All other orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof that are inconsistent with this Order, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Section 9. Effectivity. This Order shall take effect immediately after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
DONE, in the City of Manila, this 22nd day of November, in the year of our LoRd, Two Thousand and Twenty-Four.
(Sgd.) FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR.
By the President:
(Sgd.) LUCAS P. BERSAMIN
Executive Secretary
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