In an inspiring collaboration that underscores the power of education and community partnership, the University of Baguio High School (UBHS) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have joined hands in a Strategic Planning Session for the Reading and Tutorial Reformation Program (RTRP). The initiative reflects a shared commitment to uplift learners—particularly those in vulnerable and marginalized sectors—by providing equitable access to quality education and holistic support.
Program Objective of the Reading and Tutorial Reformation Program
The Reading and Tutorial Reformation Program seeks to strengthen academic foundations among residents of the Regional Rehabilitation Center for the Youth (RRCY) and the Regional Haven Home for Women and Girls who are pursuing education through the Alternative Learning System (ALS) or mainstream academic schools. Through focused interventions in literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking, the program not only enhances academic competencies but also cultivates values of discipline, self-worth, and social responsibility.
During the strategic planning session, UBHS faculty members and DSWD officials discussed collaborative frameworks, innovative learning approaches, and sustainable action plans to ensure that the program aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—specifically SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Both institutions emphasized that education is not merely a classroom activity but a community endeavor that thrives on compassion, inclusivity, and shared accountability.
The DSWD likewise underscored the importance of education as a vital pillar of social welfare, noting that when schools and government institutions work hand in hand, they build stronger, more empathetic, and more resilient communities.
This partnership reaffirms the crucial role of community linkages in promoting educational equity. By integrating academic support, psychosocial care, mentorship, and values education, the program bridges the gap between classroom learning and personal transformation. It stands as a living example of how collaboration between education and social services can transform learning spaces into centers of empowerment, inclusiveness, and hope.
Key Components
One of the key components of the RTRP is Hydroponics Gardening, a hands-on learning experience that teaches learners how to cultivate plants without soil. This innovative practice introduces them to sustainable agriculture, environmental responsibility, and food security. Through hydroponics, learners develop a sense of self-reliance and stewardship for the environment—directly supporting SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The activity also provides therapeutic engagement, allowing participants to experience the joy and discipline of nurturing growth, both literally and personally.
Through the RTRP, learners are given the opportunity to grow academically and emotionally, supported by educators and social workers who believe in their potential. The program not only equips them with essential academic skills but also fosters resilience, responsibility, and hope—empowering them to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities
As DSWD and UBHS move forward with the implementation of the Reading and Tutorial Reformation Program, their partnership stands as a powerful testament to the enduring impact of unity in education. This collaboration highlights the transformative potential of collective effort—where academic institutions and government agencies work hand in hand to nurture minds, uplift communities, and empower individuals to reach their fullest potential.
The initiative goes beyond literacy and academic enrichment; it embodies compassion in action. It recognizes that education is not confined within classroom walls but extends to every corner of society where hope can be restored and futures can be rebuilt. Through the dedication of teachers, social workers, and mentors, the program becomes a bridge connecting opportunity to those who need it most, affirming that every learner—regardless of circumstance—deserves access to growth and dignity.
When educators, social workers, institutions, and learners collaborate with purpose and compassion, education transcends boundaries. It evolves into a force for transformation and healing, shaping not only minds but also character and community spirit. The Reading and Tutorial Reformation Program thus stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when knowledge is shared, empathy is practiced, and unity becomes the cornerstone of change—a reminder that education, when powered by compassion, has the strength to create a more inclusive, resilient, and hopeful future for all.
Explore the website of DSWD CAR for more information at https://car.dswd.gov.ph/
