TAU holds exploratory talks with volunteer organization

By Jerome L. Duque

Tarlac Agricultural University’s (TAU) President, Dr. Max P. Guillermo, together with some university officials, convened with the representatives from Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) for an inter-agency dialogue on 22 April.

The inception meeting attended by PNVSCA Region III Executive Director, Mr. Donald James Gawe, focused on seeking areas of collaboration between the two institutions. TAU’s niche when it comes to commodities was discussed as sweetpotato, bamboo, and high-value crops were identified as possible starting points for cooperation.

Representing External Linkages and International Affairs  (ELIA) is Dr. Sheila R. Lingaya, ELIA’s Assistant Director. “The gathering, participated in by Dr. Danilo N. Oficiar, Vice President for Student Affairs and Services, and Dr. Yolanda S. Guillermo, Director of Extension and Training, was steered to identify focal persons in-charge of student volunteers, sustainable development goals, and community projects,” Dr. Ragasa noted.

PNVSCA, in partnership with the US Peace Corps, is also expected to send volunteers whose expertise includes curriculum enhancement, project development, student and faculty exchange programs, sustainability, and internationalization. For at least seven months, said volunteers shall link TAU with international fund-grant institutions and provide technical assistance in the creation of TAU’s corporate branding among others.

Placed under the administrative supervision of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), PNVSCA remains a strategic agency spearheading “nation-building and international cooperation.”