Great stories can be told in many ways—and for the beneficiaries of Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program in Central Visayas: The narrative is filled with hope, resilience, and transformation, vividly brought to life on screen.

As part of the program’s 20-day implementation, the TBTP Regional Program Management Office once again organized a Video Storytelling Contest to promote creativity, amplify voices from the field, and increase awareness of the program’s impact. With the theme “Pagbasa ang Pag-asa: Tales of Challenges, Hope, and Growth,” the competition highlighted the inspiring experiences of tutors, youth development workers, parents, and learners.

The contest featured three categories: Tutor, Youth Development Worker, and Group for Parents and Learners. Winners were announced during the Tara, Basa! Regional Culminating Activity on September 19, 2025, at Cebu Technological University–Main Campus in Cebu City.

In the Tutor Category, Kyle Dominic T. Cabanig bagged first place with his entry “Pagbasa ang Pag-asa ng Kabataan.” He was followed by Dinnah Marie G. Dejito with “A Journey from Doubt to Dedication” in second place and Lawrence A. Moneva with “Igniting Hope: A Tutor’s Journey to Literacy and Pag-asa” in third place.

For the Youth Development Worker Category, J Mica Cabral emerged as champion with “Where Change Begins, Because They Showed Up.” John Paulo O. Carcueva earned second place with “Sa Likod ng Bawat Tagumpay, May Magulang na Tahimik Umaakay,” while Josef V. Kapuno landed third place with “Tara Na, Magbasa: Sa Pagbag-o, May Paglaom nga Masaligan Ta! ”

Meanwhile, in the Group Category, Merrycris T. Juezan won first place with “The Day in a Life as a Parent.” Wendy Macapaz followed in second with “A Day in a Life of the MCCS Parents,” and Chattie Cora N. Igot took third place with “Tara, Basa! Experience Summer 2025.”

The first-place winners received a Plaque of Recognition, while the second-place winners and third-place winners received Certificates of Recognition. All winners also received cash prizes.

Beyond the distribution of awards, the contest showcased the transforming power of storytelling. Through their videos, participants captured the essence of the program, helping children overcome reading challenges, empowering parents to actively support their children’s education, and strengthening community involvement in literacy development.

This is the second year that the TBTP Regional Program Management Office has spearheaded the contest, continuing its mission of empowering beneficiaries to share their journeys in words and creative styles.

To celebrate these stories further, all winning videos will be shared on the DSWD Field Office VII – Central Visayas Facebook Page and the DSWD Region VII YouTube channel, giving the broader public a chance to witness the voices of change, resilience, and hope behind Tara, Basa! ###