Tarlac State University and It Takes a Heart Association, Inc. (ITH) inked a memorandum of understanding on Thursday morning (May 18) at the Office of the University President aimed to further strengthen community development and create an impact.
The two parties agreed to mutually help each other in the fields of academics, research, and extension cooperation.
Meanwhile, as a non-profit organization, ITH commits to establishing community development in the areas of education, agriculture, healthcare, and youth.
"It Takes A Heart is a community development project [which] aims to help the last, the least, and the lowest. We realized that the government cannot do it alone and the private sector cannot do it alone; there must be [a] collaboration between private people, government, and institutions,” ITH president Ms. Myra Lourdes Salvosa said in an interview.
Aside from Ms. Salvosa, owner of Bale Mi and an advocate of local farming in Brgy. Balanti in Tarlac City, the MOU signing was attended by some ITH board of directors, Dr. Godofredo Dungca and Ms. Carmela Prado.
They are also working with Atty. Jo Clemente and Mr. Francis Aquino Dee, grandson of the late President Corazon Aquino, in creating sustainable activities for society.
TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco signed the partnership on behalf of the university, which will develop collaborative activities based on equality and reciprocity.
Previously, ITH has been engaged in some small infrastructure projects like fixing the damaged footbridge in Sitio Barbon in Brgy. Tibag. They also helped provide hand pumps to residents of barangays San Juan Bautista (formerly Matadero) and Sto. Cristo to fulfill the necessities that they cannot afford to have.
Ms. Salvosa said they are also teaching children who cannot read with the help of the College of Education through students who are undergoing their practicum.
