On February 12, 2026, Tarlac State University (TSU) marked a significant milestone in advancing Indigenous Peoples' rights through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the TSU Center for Peace, Indigenous Peoples' Resources and Development (TSU-CPIPRD) and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region III. The partnership establishes a collaborative framework to uphold and promote the rights and welfare of Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) across Tarlac Province.
The signing ceremony was moderated by Mr. Howard Aries V. Ronquillo, while Dr. Cecilia N. Padilla formally introduced Atty. Roman Antonio, Regional Director of NCIP Region III, setting the stage for a partnership founded on shared commitment and institutional collaboration.
Although the TSU-CPIPRD is still in its formative stage, its leadership views this as an opportunity to establish a strong foundation for long-term initiatives. Dr. Maria Elena David, Director of the Center, emphasized that the partnership represents a significant step toward advancing research and development initiatives that will benefit Indigenous Peoples and strengthen the Center's mission.
Atty. Roman Antonio described the agreement as a pioneering initiative, noting that it is the first time a higher education institution has formally partnered with the NCIP to provide sustained academic and research support for Indigenous Peoples' advocacy beyond the University's immediate academic functions.
He also underscored the importance of the University's research outputs in supporting applications for the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT). Through evidence-based research conducted by TSU-CPIPRD, the partnership aims to provide the documentation and academic support necessary to strengthen ancestral domain claims and help Indigenous communities secure recognition of their ancestral lands.
The signing ceremony was attended by members of the University's leadership, demonstrating TSU's strong institutional commitment to the initiative. Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Atty. Wilmark J. Ramos described the Memorandum of Agreement as both a responsibility and an opportunity to pursue meaningful collaboration grounded in good faith, emphasizing that unity and partnership are essential to sustainable development.
Also present were several faculty members, researchers, and extensionists actively engaged in Indigenous Peoples-related initiatives, including Dr. Agnes Macaraeg, Dr. Aloysius Madriaga, Atty. Ruby Rose Vinluan, Prof. Bryan Jan Dizon, and Ms. Remar Salvador, reflecting the broad institutional support behind the collaboration.
University President Arnold E. Velasco likewise reaffirmed the University's commitment to fulfilling the provisions of the Memorandum of Agreement and ensuring that TSU's research, extension, and community engagement initiatives remain aligned with the mandates of the NCIP.
With the guidance of Atty. Sharmaine Valenzuela and the TSU directorate, the ceremony concluded with a shared vision of strengthening the protection, recognition, and preservation of the rights, dignity, and cultural heritage of Tarlac's Indigenous Peoples. More than a formal agreement, the partnership lays the foundation for sustained collaboration that will empower Indigenous communities and contribute to inclusive and evidence-based development for generations to come.
