Tarlac State University President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco received the university’s Development Plan for 2021-2025 from former president Dr. Myrna Q. Mallari, together with the university’s vice presidents, in a ceremonial turnover that happened earlier today (April 5, 2022) during the flag raising ceremony at the Main Campus.
This is the first time Pres. Velasco is attending the university’s flag raising ceremony.
“This day is really memorable to me, maliban po sa April 1st. Hindi ko pa din po maintidihan – hindi pa rin po nagsi-sink in sa akin na ako na po ang 6th university president ng TSU. And with that, I owe it all to God. Ano pa po ang masasabi ko kundi ang mapasalamat sa Diyos for everything na ginagawa po niya sa buhay natin - sa buhay ko,” he said.
In her message, Dr. Mallari urged the TSU community to continuously give respect and support the new president.
“And as I always say to you, not only last week, but every time I speak to you that it's not about who the president will be. It's not about who the vice presidents are; It's not about who the deans and officials are – it's about Tarlac State University. It's about our love for TSU, and we ask you to continuously give our respect to the Office of the [University] President and to all our key officials,” Dr. Mallari said.
In response, Pres. Velasco said he appreciated Dr. Mallari’s good heart and went out of his way to give the former president a bouquet of flowers.
“From my heart, as a token of appreciation for your service, para sa inyo po ma'am, para sa mahal nating presidente. Thank you very much, and I really appreciate Ma'am Myrna for volunteering. I asked her, ‘Ma’am, I’m just new in the service; so, would you mind if I go [to you] anytime kung may problema po ako regarding management and makapag-hingi po ng advise sa’yo?’ And I’m really appreciative po sa sinabi ni ma’am na, ‘Anytime. I’m willing to share what I have and experienced.’ [To] whatever na ma-encounter ko po dito sa TSU na mga challenges, salamat po Ma’am Myrna for that promise,” he said.
Furthermore, Pres. Velasco shared once more his proposed core values – Transparency, Service, and Unity which is an acronym for TSU.
He said that transparency is equitable to honesty and through this, it will build trust. For service, he mentioned that the greatest service we can give to the university is not our ability but our availability. And for unity, he said that he cannot do it alone. He will further develop the community’s teamwork through love and respect.
“Magkaisa po tayo [na may] isang layunin in realizing our vision to become one of the top 1,000 sustainable universities not only in the Asia-Pacific, but in the world. I know that’s possible with your help… Magagawa po natin ang ating minimithi at inaasam for Tarlac State University,” he added.
Pres. Velasco also mentioned to enhance the development plan presented to him. He also plans for the possibility of face-to-face graduation in accordance with the guidelines and protocols of the IATF-Tarlac.
