NORTH VALLEY COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC.
Advancing Literacy Through Partnership and Sustainable Development
A meaningful stride toward inclusive and sustainable education was recently realized with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program in the Province of Cotabato. Held on April 6, 2026, at the Provincial Governorโs Office in Amas, Kidapawan City, the event brought together key stakeholders committed to addressing literacy gaps and promoting equitable access to quality education.
The agreement was spearheaded by Emmylou โLalaโ J. Taliรฑo-Mendoza, in collaboration with Loreto V. Cabaya of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), alongside representatives from partner Higher Education Institutions, including North Valley College Foundation, Inc. (NVCFI) represented by Jarel Dave A. Alpanta (School Administrator) and Dr. Rogelio P. Bayod (Quality Assurance Director). This collaboration reflects a unified commitment not only to local development but also to the global agenda set by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)โparticularly Quality Education (SDG 4) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10).
Set to commence on May 4, 2026, the Tara, Basa! Program will support 3,257 incoming Grade II pupils identified as struggling readers. Over a 20-day period, these learners will receive targeted reading interventions from trained student tutors coming from participating colleges and universities. This initiative directly contributes to SDG 4 by ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education, while fostering lifelong learning opportunities for all.
At the same time, the program advances Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) by providing student tutors with compensation equivalent to the regional minimum wage. This empowers college students not only as educators but also as active contributors to community development, bridging education and economic opportunity.
As a committed partner, North Valley College Foundation, Inc. will deploy qualified student tutors who will serve as catalysts of change in their communities. The institutionโs involvement underscores its dedication to service-oriented education and its role in supporting sustainable, community-based initiatives aligned with global development frameworks.
Beyond the learners, the program also emphasizes the critical role of families in education. Parent sessions, facilitated by Youth Development Workers of the DSWD, will equip parents with essential knowledge and strategies to guide their childrenโs reading journey. This component strengthens partnerships within communities, echoing the spirit of Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
In her message, Governor Taliรฑo-Mendoza expressed her gratitude to Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Rex Gatchalian for their continued support to the province. She also conveyed optimism that the program will effectively address learning gaps, particularly in public schools, and contribute to building a more inclusive and resilient education system.
This partnership stands as a powerful example of how local initiatives can contribute to global goals. Through the Tara, Basa! Program, North Valley College reaffirms its commitment to shaping a literate, empowered, and sustainable futureโone learner, one family, and one community at a time.
Jarel Dave A. Alpanta
