TARLAC CITY — Tarlac State University (TSU) and the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) reaffirmed their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) held on March 24 at the 2nd Floor Audio-Visual Room of the Center for Food Technology and Research (CFTR) Building.
The agreement was formally signed by PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe and TSU President Arnold E. Velasco, highlighting the continued collaboration between the two institutions in promoting volunteerism, strengthening community engagement, and supporting nation-building initiatives. Both officials expressed their shared commitment to sustaining programs and activities that encourage active participation in volunteer service.
The program opened with welcome remarks from Engr. Emir Lenard S. F. Sicangco, Director of the Office of University Extension Services (OUES) and Volunteerism Focal Person of the University, who emphasized the importance of partnerships in advancing the culture of volunteerism within the academic community.
Dr. Francelle L. Calub, Head of the Volunteerism Management Department, presented the key provisions of the Memorandum of Agreement, outlining the roles and responsibilities of both institutions in implementing joint volunteer programs, training, and community development initiatives.
PNVSCA Executive Director Gawe expressed the agency's continued support for TSU in advancing volunteerism programs and strengthening community engagement initiatives. He emphasized the importance of partnerships with higher education institutions in cultivating a culture of volunteer service among the youth and empowering communities through collaborative projects. He also shared his vision of TSU becoming one of the country's volunteerism learning hubs.
TSU President Velasco likewise reaffirmed the University's commitment to volunteerism and encouraged the academic community to actively participate in service-oriented initiatives. He emphasized the value of selfless service, stating, “If you want to be good in the eyes of man and God, be a volunteer,” underscoring the role of volunteerism in developing responsible citizens and strengthening nation-building efforts.
In his message, Atty. Wilmark J. Ramos, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, expressed his gratitude to the officials and staff present during the ceremony and conveyed optimism for stronger collaboration between TSU and PNVSCA in future volunteerism and extension initiatives.
The ceremony was also attended by Prof. Christine Janelle M. Santiago, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of Gender and Development (OGAD); Prof. Rodel P. Macasaquit, Director of the National Service Training Program (NSTP); Mr. Daniel T. Dizon, Department Head of the Office of International Affairs and Linkages (OIAL); and Mr. Daniel De Guzman, Department Head of the Office of Student Affairs Services (OSAS).
