To further its commitment to empowering students, Tarlac State University formally signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Education Tarlac City Schools Division to provide co-curricular and extracurricular activities, held on November 12 at the Alumni Center, Lucinda Campus.
Titled ‘MATATAG NA BUKAS: Shaping Filipino Learners for a Resilient and Future-Ready Nation,’ the project led by the College of Education aims to support learners with skills in student leadership, civic and character education, school journalism, mental well-being, cultural awareness, and sports through seminars and training.
According to project head Mr. Deyo Carlos L. Dela Cruz, also the Professional and Continuing Education Department head, the project is aligned with the Department of Education’s MATATAG agenda, which advocates for a balanced and resilient educational framework.
“We believe that not everything can be learned within the four corners of the classroom. We want them (students) to ensure [that they have] the skills in leadership, resiliency, adaptability, and collaboration, which are integral for future readiness,” Mr. Dela Cruz said.
The two-year extension project will be implemented across 17 public schools offering secondary education within the TCSD.
In a message, Dr. Ruth D. Jimenez, School Governance and Operations Division chief, representative of Dr. Ma. Irelyn P. Tamayo, School Division Superintendent, underscored the importance of the partnership in the holistic development of all learners.
“This MOA signing signifies the importance of elevating not only the quality of instruction but more so the holistic development of all basic and higher education. It will specifically enhance the students’ leadership competence to be able to affect change and influence our student leaders so that they could dream big and prioritize their education, among other things,” Dr. Jimenez said.
“Dear TSU people, may your kind increase as you continue to partner with us to achieve our common purpose of giving selfless service to the most important clientele – the Filipino learners,” she added.
Meanwhile, CoEd Dean Dr. Jasper Jay N. Mendoza thanked the TCSD for their willingness to partner with TSU. He also said the college is willing to extend its services and share its expertise.
“Together, we will create an inclusive environment that respects diversity and nurtures the potential of every learner. United, we will cultivate a resilient future for our nation—one learner at a time,” Dean Mendoza said.
Moreover, Mr. Dela Cruz shared that the program is guided by the saranggola (kite) framework, representing the foundational elements of the project.
The frame of the saranggola represents the core values of the project – resiliency and inclusivity, which hold the program together; the body, giving it visibility and presence, represents the vibrant and impactful educational components of the project; the tail, essential for stability, represents the continuous support and guidance provided by the school, home, and the society who will play a critical role in the implementation of the program; and the wind, serving as an external force for the kite to rise, represents the opportunities and challenges students will face in the real world.
“Habang sinasalubong nang malakas na hangin lalong tumataas ang saranggola. That is also very aligned to our theme to become resilient. Always expect that there will be challenges. The more problems or challenges, the more that we will become stronger,” TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco said in connection with the program’s framework.
“For the saranggola to soar, all parts must work together harmoniously. The frame must be strong, the body vibrant, and the tail is stable. Similarly, MATATAG NA BUKAS requires alignment [among] values, educational elements, support systems, guidance, and real-world opportunities to successfully lift Filipino learners toward a resilient and future-ready nation (sic),” Mr. Dela Cruz added.
The MOA signing was also graced by Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Dr. Erwin P. Lacanlale, Presidential Assistant Dr. Brigido B. Corpuz, program chairpersons, faculty members, and some CoEd students. (jlmm-OPA)
