Tarlac State University (TSU), through the Center for Community and Local Governance Studies and Policy Development (CCLGSPD), signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Municipality of La Paz on March 26, 2026, at the Pagbabago Hall, Macabulos Park, La Paz, Tarlac. The signing formally welcomed the municipality into Project START+: Advancing the Capacity of Child Development Workers Across All Municipalities, reinforcing TSU's commitment to community extension and meaningful public service throughout the province.
Project START+ is a long-term extension and research initiative that aims to strengthen the competencies of Child Development Workers (CDWs) across Tarlac Province. Building on the success of Project START, the initiative expands support through structured capacity-building programs and policy advocacy to promote the professional development and welfare of Child Development Workers.
The ceremonial signing 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; Engr. Emir Lenard S. F. Sicangco, Director of the Office of University Extension Services, on behalf of Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Atty. Wilmark J. Ramos; Dr. Cynthia G. Quiambao, Director of CCLGSPD; and Department Heads Ms. Vien Jamaica D. Samson and Mr. John H. Lanuzo. Representing the Municipality of La Paz were Municipal Mayor Hon. Venustiano D. Jordan and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Ms. Eunice Dominique R. Ocampo-Driz.
The program opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Cynthia G. Quiambao, who underscored the importance of strong partnerships between the University and local government units in advancing the welfare of Child Development Workers and the communities they serve. She also expressed her appreciation to the Municipality of La Paz for its support, emphasizing that the success of Project START+ depends on the shared commitment of TSU and its local government partners.
Ms. Vien Jamaica D. Samson, Department Head of CCLGSPD, presented the background and rationale of Project START+, while Mr. John H. Lanuzo, Department Head of CCLGSPD, discussed the project's objectives. These include expanding training opportunities for Child Development Workers, supporting children with special needs, assisting in the development of local policies for CDW welfare, and improving the quality of child development services through enhanced competency and client satisfaction.
Atty. Brigido B. Corpuz and Mayor Venustiano D. Jordan delivered their respective statements of commitment, affirming the University's and the Municipality's dedication to ensuring the successful and sustainable implementation of the project.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Engr. Emir Lenard S. F. Sicangco, who emphasized the significance of Project START+ in strengthening early childhood education and encouraged continued collaboration between TSU and the Municipality of La Paz in promoting quality services for children and their communities.
