Tarlac State University (TSU), through the Center for Community and Local Governance Studies and Policy Development (CCLGSPD), formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Municipality of Bamban on March 19, 2026, at the Sangguniang Bayan Session Hall of the LGU Bamban, Tarlac. The signing marked the launch of Project START+: Advancing the Capacity of Child Development Workers Across All Municipalities, a long-term extension and research initiative that aims to strengthen the competencies of Child Development Workers (CDWs) across Tarlac Province while supporting their continuing education and professional development.
The MOA formalized the commitment of TSU and the Municipality of Bamban to implement a structured series of capacity-building programs that address priority competency gaps among Child Development Workers. The partnership will run until December 2028, with project implementation scheduled to begin in April 2026.
The ceremony opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Cynthia G. Quiambao, Director of CCLGSPD and Overall Project Head, who emphasized the significance of the partnership and the University's enduring commitment to empowering communities through quality early childhood education initiatives.
This was followed by the presentation of Project START+ by Mr. John H. Lanuzo, Department Head for Community Empowerment and Advocacy and Innovation and Knowledge Development of CCLGSPD. He discussed the project's objectives, expected outcomes, and implementation framework, highlighting its role in enhancing the knowledge, skills, and competencies of Child Development Workers in Bamban.
The event was attended by key officials from both institutions. Representing TSU were Atty. Brigido B. Corpuz, Presidential Assistant, on behalf of University President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco, and Atty. Wilmark J. Ramos, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension. The Municipality of Bamban was represented by Municipal Mayor Hon. Jose M. Salting Jr. and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Ms. Cherry Rose Guese.
Project START+ builds upon the success of Project START (Sustainable Training Assistance and Revitalized Teaching), which has previously partnered with the municipalities of Anao, Gerona, Moncada, Paniqui, Pura, Ramos, San Manuel, and Victoria to strengthen the capabilities of Child Development Workers throughout the province.
In his message, Mayor Jose M. Salting Jr. expressed his gratitude to Tarlac State University for extending the initiative to Bamban. He acknowledged the vital role of Child Development Workers in shaping the lives of young children and affirmed the municipality's full support for programs that promote quality early childhood education and community development.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Atty. Wilmark J. Ramos, who described the MOA signing as one of the University's significant milestones in extension. He also underscored the significance of holding the event during Women's Month, recognizing that the majority of Child Development Workers and social workers are women whose dedication and service embody the project's mission of empowerment, community development, and inclusive growth.
