Tarlac State University and the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP) signed a memorandum of understanding for research, capacity building, and international networking opportunities.
The MOU was inked through the university's College of Architecture and Fine Arts, while EnP. Haydee JM Quintana Malubay, WPC60@NCC Local Organizing Committee Head, represented the ISOCARP last September 10, 2024 at the National Government Administrative Center, New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac.
TSU is the first state university in the country to partner with the ISOCARP for its 60th World Planning Congress (WPC) – 1st International Congress for New Cities.
The 1st International Congress for New Cities: Planning New Regenerative Cities is the first leg of ISOCARP's 60th WPC Diamond Anniversary Series (WPC60@NCC), organized by the ISOCARP and the Philippines' host organization composed of the local organizing committee and the Provincial Government of Tarlac, led by Gov. Susan A. Yap.
ISOCARP is a non-governmental organization of professional urban and regional planners with a vision to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable through integrative participatory urban and territorial planning.
This collaboration will provide a platform for the CAFA faculty and students to present their research, facilitate networking opportunities with international urban planning professionals and academics, and explore capacity-building programs such as specialized training sessions, seminars, or joint workshops.
According to TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco, CAFA students can present their research and exhibit their works to showcase their talents, which may open possibilities for international internships. This will also serve as a means to promote the country's rich culture.
"Itong partnership with ISOCARP is considered a success for TSU kasi out of all the SUCs naman in the Philippines, tayo ang naimbitahan dito sa World Planning Congress nila. We have showcased our talents through the Performing Arts Dance Troupe and the exhibit of CAFA. This is our way of promoting our institution to the rest of the world," Pres. Velasco told the Office of Public Affairs in an interview.
In return, the college is set to organize and lead a technical tour of Tarlac for the participants, showcasing key urban planning and development projects in New Clark City that will offer insights into local sustainable practices and community development initiatives.
Moreover, TSU participated in the ribbon-cutting event, marking the exhibit's formal opening with 33 booths from local sellers and companies offering traditional snacks, crafts, and innovative technologies.
The CAFA was also invited to set up its booth to display its students' and faculty's academic and creative works, highlighting innovative architectural designs, urban planning projects, and sustainable development solutions.
The planning conference will continue until September 13, 2024, with keynote lectures, expert debates, research and case study track presentations, technical tours, special sessions, networking and social events, Indigenous storytelling, and tourist visits around the province.
The second leg of the WPC Diamond Anniversary Series will be held in Siena, Italy, on October 8-12, 2024, with the theme, "Reinventing The (In)visible Cities." (jlmm-OPA)
Photo by Eduardo F. Laxamana Jr.
