A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between Tarlac State University and Tarlac Agricultural University earlier today (May 4, 2022) at the Alumni Center of TSU Lucinda Campus.
The MOU states the cooperation between the universities which shall be carried out through activities conducted in physical and virtual modalities. These include internationalization endeavors, joint research activities and publications, benchmarking and sharing of best practices, collaborative activities on flexible learning relative to CHED's Bayanihan Program, and exchange of academic resources and other information.
Led by TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco and TAU President Dr. Max P. Guillermo, both presidents expressed their eagerness to form a partnership focusing on various areas to foster and develop a mutual and beneficial relationship between the two institutions.
In his message of commitment, Pres. Velasco said he looks forward to the eventual reunion of the two great universities to become top universities in the country.
"We solely pledge and vow our total and unconditional commitment and dedication to the success of this partnership which we formally signed. And the partnership between TAU and TSU is a rough start in a long and lasting relationship [between] our institutions which could make us one. And as I've said, number one not only in Central Luzon but throughout the Philippines," he said.
Likewise, Pres. Guillermo said he is hopeful and excited about this significant collaboration.
"To our partner, TSU, rest assured that we will make every effort to make our partnership meaningful and functional. We perfectly hope that this activity for partnership development will stimulate the promotion of academic, research culture, as well as knowledge network with TSU," he said.
The MOU, which is not legally binding, will last for five years and will be renewable for another period at the parties' option. It signifies the two institutions' recognition of common interests and goodwill.
The event, attended by the Administrative Council of both universities, was spearheaded by TSU's International Affairs and Linkages Office headed by Dr. Jasper Jay N. Mendoza and TAU's External Linkages and International Affairs led by Dr. Christine N. Ferrer.
Also present during the event are some of TSU's Board of Regents – TSU Faculty and Personnel Union President Hon. Douglas C. Ferrer, with his Vice President, Prof. Jose Russel S. Arador; TSU Supreme Student Council President Hon. Mikaela B. Laxamana; and Non-Academic Staff Association President Ms. Wilma D. Salak.
TAU was once under the Tarlac College of Technology (now TSU) as the Institute of Agriculture through Republic Act No. 4337 (An Act Establishing the Tarlac College of Technology). However, on December 18, 1974, by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 609, the institute became a separate state college – the Tarlac College of Agriculture. Eventually, on May 10, 2016, the college was converted to Tarlac Agricultural University through Republic Act No. 10800.
