Tarlac State University's Board of Regents, key officials, and administrative council members engaged in a three-day university planning to bolster the university's plans for 2025 and 2026.
Themed "TSU Soar Higher: Towards Future-Proof Tomorrow and Impactful Sustainable Community Development," the sessions held on November 3-5, 2024 in Baguio City focused on the continued relevance of the university in helping its immediate community, especially within Tarlac Province.
TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco shared that this gathering is a huge opportunity to define the future.
"It should be applied knowledge to become power, same as to what we are doing right now. We have these plans. We are working for our plans, but most of all, we have to apply and implement these plans," he said.
Relative to the university's involvement in the community, House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairperson Cong. Mark O. Go commended TSU as a significant factor in the province's growth.
"I'm really impressed [with] the way things are going in the province and the City of Tarlac, in particular. And one of the main contributors, if I may say, is Tarlac State University," Cong. Go said.
He also encouraged the BOR to initiate a bill establishing a College of Medicine at TSU under the Doktor Para sa Bayan or Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program.
"Now you are here today in this planning session to really define what you want to accomplish in the next two years, as stated, and how you will get there," he added.
Moreover, Hon. Dennis Norman T. Go challenged the administration to create plans to achieve the university's goals and objectives and bring the university and the province to greater heights now that TSU has secured its niche in Tarlac.
The plans for the university's seven roadmaps were presented by the focal persons, composed of the vice presidents and selected directors, and the BOR members provided their respective input.
The regents urged Vice President for Administration Atty. Wilmark J. Ramos and his team under the OVPA to ascertain the university's financial health.
They also complimented the proposed framework, TSU Administration (AdmEx) Excellence, which ensures policy improvement and service innovation.
Meanwhile, the regents raised points regarding prioritizing the safety and security of the students, amendments to the admission and scholarship policies, and enhancement of curricula, specifically for the programs under the College of Industrial Technology and College of Engineering.
On the other hand, DOST III Regional Director Hon. Julius Caesar V. Sicat emphasized the importance of knowing the university's core competency and improving research culture.
"No matter kung anong form 'yan, basta ang importante, malinaw sa atin where we would want to go, when we should achieve what, and what activities we have to agree on in order for us to achieve itong ating preferred future," Hon. Sicat concluded.
He also noted that planning starts with a clear understanding of the stakeholders.
Furthermore, Hon. Go suggested strengthening the link and harmonization between budgeting and planning toward efficient utilization of resources.
In addition, the regents applauded TSU for receiving several awards, namely the Association of Government Accountants of the Philippines (AGAP) award, World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), Time Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, and the Silver Award for the 2023 Anti-Red Tape Authority Report Card Survey 2.0 results.
"Congratulations sa Tarlac State University (for the awards received). Pag kaming mga mayor (local government units), isa sa mga pinakainaasam-asam naming award ay ang makakuha kami ng Seal of Good Local Governance at ma-qualify kami sa Ease of Doing Business. Sa kaninang narinig ko kay President (Velasco), nag number one tayo sa buong Pilipinas sa mga SUC (AGAP), so ibig sabihin malinis tayo sa paggamit sa pera sa TSU," Alumni regent Hon. Reynaldo L. Catacutan said in a message, delivered in a mix of Kapampangan and Tagalog.
Concerning employees and students, Hon. Christine Anne Corazon A. Lamorena, a family doctor and private sector representative in the BOR, advocated for mental and physical health, sharing that she has been handling several cases concerning the mental health of TSU students.
Also present during the university planning are Hon. Cherie Lyn F. Onia, representing the Non-Academic Staff Association; Hon. Winifredo L. Luis, representing the Federated Faculty Union; and Hon. Ma. Angelica A. Fresnido, Supreme Student Council President, who collectively conveyed that each individual in the TSU community is vital and can make a significant change in TSU's academic trajectory and partnerships. (jlmm-OPA)
