TAU is in the West

     Tarlac, IloIlo HEIs forge ties

By Jerome L. Duque

Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) has inked a deal with another prominent university.

After a series of exploratory talks, West Visayas State University (WVSU), one of the most well-respected higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Hiligaynon-speaking region, vowed to collaborate with TAU on a number of priority areas.

In a bilateral meeting on 21 April with WVSU administration headed by its president, Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, Dr. Christine N. Ferrer, Director of the External Linkages and International Affairs, affirmed TAU’s commitment to realizing a mutually beneficial agreement. “TAU’s President, Dr. Max P. Guillermo, wishes to convey his warmest greetings to the WVSU community for welcoming us into your family,” Dr. Ferrer said.

As part of their pledge, officials from TAU and WVSU shall dedicate time and resources to facilitate inter-institutional exchange involving its students and faculty and staff. Both HEIs will also host international research fora and extend technical assistance to each other.

As a Center of Excellence in Teacher Education and home to Center for Research and Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education (CRISMED), WVSU will be a valuable partner in strengthening TAU’s teacher education programs.

“In 2012, our thenTarlac College of Agriculture - Institute of Education had a benchmarking visit at WVSU regarding the preparations for Center of Excellence in Teacher Education. Four years later, TAU was granted the award. Thus, we are thankful for the generosity of the WVSU community, because you have made a significant contribution in our quest for academic excellence,” Dr. Ferrer quipped.

Just like the TAU’s Calao Forest Reserve, WVSU has Mariit Conservation Park in Lambunao which is the world’s largest hornbill breeding facility. A joint research undertaking among researchers from both HEIs may be explored to promote wildlife conservation and sustainable development. WVSU also houses the Center for Philippine Native Chicken which TAU may tap to advance its free-range chicken project.

Dr. Ferrer also mentioned that WVSU will be cooperating with TAU in steering the International SDGs Bootcamp which will be launched in June 2022.

WVSU, formerly IloIlo Normal School, was one of the institutions managed by the Thomasites teachers in 1924. However, it can be traced back to its founding in 1902 as IloIlo National High School. It now operates 7 campuses across IloIlo province and its own hospital.