THE master franchise of a US-based tutoring service is optimistic about its operations in Cebu, even though consumers have become prudent as a result of the global financial crisis.

Rico Bautista said the Tutoring Club is strategically located in Cebu, which is the home of many good schools and entrepreneurs.

"Matod Pa Sa Lola ni Noy Kulas." Join the story-writing contest on Cebuano folklore and win prizes.

In a press conference last week, Bautista said that putting up a franchised outlet in Cebu—the first outside Metro Manila—can lead to more franchises in key cities in the Visayas and Mindanao, such as Cagayan de Oro and Davao.

He observed that with Cebu’s economic growth, there might be room for three Tutoring Club outlets in the future. But he said there is no timetable for these yet.

“We still have to identify (the sites),” he added.

Tutoring Club is a tutoring service that aims to help pre-school, grade school and high school students improve their skills in math, reading and writing. Tutoring Club uses methods developed in the United States.

The service was introduced in the Philippines in May 2007. At present, there are 11 Tutoring Club outlets in the country, including one in Cebu.

Bautista said that all the centers have combined enrollees of more than 500. About 75 percent of the enrollees are elementary students.

Bautista explained that the elementary level is the best time for children to master basic skills that are building blocks for more advanced lessons.

The Tutoring Club has helped more than 700 students, he said.

“We aim to raise a student’s skills set a level higher within 32 hours. We also offer goal-setting (strategies) for those who would come to us but have already mastered their basic academic skills,” said Tutoring Club Philippines president Inday Mallari.

Before the formal opening of its Cebu franchise at the Banilad Town Center (BTC) last June 26, Tutoring Club received more than 100 inquiries.

Tutoring Club-Cebu center director Jogen Mil said this shows that parents in Cebu prioritize education and do not mind costs related to it.

The first Cebu franchise center at BTC is owned by Cebu-based company Cebu TLC Trigo.

“Cebu puts emphasis on education, so it is a natural fit with what we offer and what Cebu needs,” said Tutoring Club Philippines consultant and business analyst Martin Bautista.