Tarlac State University entered into three agreements with the local government of San Clemente for skills training and product development for the Aeta members of DREAM as primary beneficiaries.
Titled "Project EXCELLENTE," this collaborative partnership for DREAM (Dueg Resettlement Entrepreneurs and Marketing Association), involving the College of Business and Accountancy, College of Industrial Technology, and Office of Gender and Development, was inked on Tuesday afternoon (March 19) at the TSU Main AVR.
With a two-year partnership, CBA will provide seminars and workshops on entrepreneurial mind-setting, product formulation, financial literacy, marketing, fundamentals of a social enterprise, and the like.
Meanwhile, CIT and the Center for Solar and Emerging Technologies will assess the facilities and equipment provided by the DOST-Tarlac, such as the pulverizer machine and dehydrators.
With these at hand, GAD will provide the DREAM members with additional seminars and training about gender sensitivity and gender inclusivity in the workplace.
"This partnership is a significant turning point, representing TSU's dedication to advancing extension services for the community. The College of Business and Accountancy and the College of Industrial Technology are known to have impactful activities for the benefit of the community. Hence, this collaboration will serve as a solid foundation for professional growth in the academe and LGU San Clemente," TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco said in his speech.
Currently, DREAM members sell and produce turmeric powder, a product of the university's eCEST, doughnuts, and buchi.
To add more products, CBA's Hospitality Management Department will teach the members how to make innovative ube or purple yam products, like ube chips and ube halaya (Philippine dessert).
These will be sold to locals and tourists at a cafe situated at the view deck of Sitio Dueg in San Clemente.
Overall, the project could form a cooperative for the Aetas in the long run.
Aside from the Aetas, the opportunities for this project will also be extended to the residents of San Clemente town.
"I, therefore, signify the intent of LGU San Clemente and commit and pledge with various programs, projects, and activities in the municipality of San Clemente for the successful implementation of the project and to enhance our collaboration towards our mutual resolve to improve the lives of our constituents and communities," San Clemente Mayor Elma Macadamia said in her message of commitment.
"San Clemente is a fifth-class municipality, and [with] our partnership with TSU, we will make a big difference in our community," she added.
In 2023, the DOST hailed San Clemente town as the first runner-up in the Best Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) in Central Luzon, where they were also awarded 200,000 pesos worth of projects.
Project EXCELLENTE is also supported by the Department of Science and Technology-Tarlac. Ms. Karen Danez, Provincial Science and Technology Director, also attended the event. (jlmm-OPA)
