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Tag: Tarlac Agricultural University

Revamping operations of farmers’ organisations in Tarlac province

Posted on by Office of External Linkages and International Affairs

The paper “Attributes and Business Operations Performance of Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) in Tarlac Province” by Dr. Erlie SD. Totaan took home the coveted Best Paper of Organizational Performance during the Fourth International Conference on Economics, Business, and Social Science (ICEBUSS) on February 1, 2022.

Dr. Totaan, an Associate Professor IV from Tarlac Agricultural University – College of Business and Management (TAU-CBM), presented a study that seeks to “help farmers gain skills, access inputs, form enterprises, process and market their products, more effectively to generate income” before a panel of experts from Southeast Asia and Russia.

The study identified the key factors affecting the management and recommended intervention strategies to boost the capacity of ARBOs. It covered 23 ARBOs from 11 local government units in Tarlac.

“It is my vision that through this research I would be able to lay the groundwork for the eventual improvement of living conditions of farmers, especially for those whose farms are located within the priority areas of the Department of Agrarian Reform,” Dr. Totaan stressed.

In addition, Dr. Totaan shared that the result of her study may serve as a basis for the formulation of policies and guidelines of agencies which may implement similar programs.

ICEBUSS 2022 was organized by Universitas Islam Malang’s (UNISMA) Faculty of Economics and Business in coordination with Moscow City University, Khon Kaen University Business School, Graduate School of Entrepreneurship and Business Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Prince of Songkla University, Prodi S1 Manajemen FE Universitas Negeri Jakarta, FEB Universitas Esa Unggul, and STIE YKPN Yogyakarta.

As a Research and Entrepreneurship-oriented Higher Education Institution, UNISMA strengthens its international profile by improving the quality of its patents and implementing joint research publications.

TAU-CED teams up with Indonesian faculty, steers iVISID 2022

Posted on by Office of External Linkages and International Affairs

To improve the quality of education and administration of educational institutions, Tarlac Agricultural University’s College of Education (TAU-CED) and Universitas Brawijaya’s Faculty of Administrative Science (UB-FAS) will trailblaze the International Visiting Scholar (iVISID) 2022 through an international webinar and series of virtual assemblies on 8-11 March.

Commencing iVISID is the forum to be presided by Dr. Christine N. Ferrer, Director of TAU-External Linkages and International Affairs (ELIA), and Dr. Hermawan, M.Si., Head of Educational Administration Program of UB-FAS. Dr. Ferrer will be clarifying misconceptions on international collaboration while Dr. Hermawan will be pursuing an exchange of ideas on international quality assurance.

The second and third day highlights the interactive sessions on financial, instructional leadership, public relations, and educational management functions of educational institutions. Such will be spearheaded by Dr. Fadillah Amin, Head of UB-FAS Public Administration Department, Dr. Claire Anne A. Olivares, Dean of TAU-CED, Mr. Aulia Luqman Aziz, UB-FAS lecturer, and Dr. Blessie E. Lorenzo, Program Chair at TAU-CED, respectively.

Moreover, select students will present a report on their contributions to the advancement of education, science, and innovation which is necessary “to achieve a truly connected global higher education ecosystem for the youth” on the last day of iVISID. Dr. Ferrer proposed iVISID to develop education science in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. “ We are also working on the expansion of iVISID to other ASEAN countries in 2023,” Dr. Ferrer shared.

Universitas Brawijaya (UB) was indexed at number 271-280 in the QS Asia 2021 Rankings. With 60,000 students, UB maintains a 60-hectare campus in Malang City, East Java.

As part of TAU, SEEd4Com’s road map, SDGs Academy Philippines now seeks collaborators

Posted on by Office of External Linkages and International Affairs

Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) and Sustainable Energy and Enterprise Development for Communities (SEED4Com) are now looking for Sustainability Advocates in the country.

Formally inaugurated on 13 November, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Academy Philippines is the outcome of months of planning and consultations between TAU Office of External Linkages and International Affairs (ELIA) and SEED4Com in support of United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Dr. Max P. Guillermo, President of TAU, and Mr. Dann T. Diez, Chief Executive Officer of SEED4Com, led the ceremonial signing of Memorandum of Understanding to make the five-year partnership official. Joining them were TAU-ELIA Director, Dr. Christine N. Ferrer, and several officials and spectators from both institutions.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development strive for the significant reduction of global poverty and hunger, sustained promotion of human rights, empowerment of women, girls, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and the safeguard of the planet and conservation of its crucial resources.

TAU’s partner, SEED4Com, has been addressing local concerns with global impact since 2014. According to its website, SEED4Com is a non-stock and non-profit organization based in Cebu, Philippines which is “founded to provide help in improving human conditions and empowering poverty-stricken areas, rural and last-mile communities in the Philippines.”

Getting Ready for A Sustainable Life

To prepare the members of SDGs Academy, TAU-ELIA and SEED4Com invited four plenary speakers to familiarize the participants with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Representing SDGs Academy Pakistan, Dr. Syed Amar Hussain Jaffri, shared his organization’s experience in enacting SDGs in his country. Dr. Jaffri highlighted that inter-institutional cooperation, especially one that transcends borders, accelerates development. Meanwhile, Climate Schools Asia’s co-founder, Mr. Mohamad Johan, directed his discussion on the role of youth in climate action programs.

Mr. Jerome L. Duque, a Global Schools Advocate, discussed the importance of localization and contextualization of SDGs, specifically SDG 4, Quality Education. Mr. Duque also underscored the mandate of educators to provide knowledge, values, and skills required to move towards a sustainable and prosperous world. “We have to integrate global citizenship, sustainability, and 21st century skills to school communities,” he ended.

In addition, Mr. Clarence Gio Almoite of SEED4Com updated the participants regarding the status of 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference or more popularly known as COP26. Held in Glasgow, Scotland on 41 October to 13 November, COP26 has been criticized for lack of inclusivity and transparency. Mr. Almoite shared these concerns during his talk.

As part of their pledge, new members are encouraged to initiate a target intervention on any SDG of their choice and to convince and mobilize volunteers to help them further their respective causes.

Filipinos, Singaporeans ponder on aging, sustainability, tradition

Posted on by Office of External Linkages and International Affairs

Demographic changes have pushed countries to reevaluate their fiscal resources to respond to shifts in the healthcare and insurance sectors. Even infrastructures must be suited to respond to the specific needs of an aging population.

Higher Education Institutions, especially those from graying economies, are urged to lead nations in their preparations for such a future. To explore how Singapore and The Philippines can address these concerns, Temasek Polytechnic (TP) launched Befriender’s Program and collaborated with Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU).

The e-community project benefited 15 elderlies from Lions Befrienders Active Ageing Centre. Students from TAU and TP engaged the beneficiaries in a series of virtual meet-ups. TAU’s global ambassadors namely: Junerene A. Pontanilla, Jose Zalde B. Samson Jr., Colleen Joy A. Seril, Bren Noah M. Nieto, Wendell S. Cabico Jr., and Arjay A. Aguinaldo interacted with them by conducting discussions on aging-related concerns, sustainable development, Filipino culture and geography, and prospects in Filipino-Singaporean relations.

Ms. Seril, an editor of the university’s student organ, The Golden Harvest, recalled enjoying the activities facilitated by TP’s translators. “We felt the appreciation of our lolos. It seems that even our simple smiles made them happy already,” Ms. Serial remarked. Mr. Cabico, councilor of the Supreme Student Council, attributed this to their isolation from their families and friends. “I can’t help but tear up every time I’m talking to them. The experience made me value my grandparents more,” he added.

The TAU delegation also expressed their desire to adopt the program in Tarlac and to promote Gerontology, particularly among TAU students. TP is a post-secondary institution in Tampines, Singapore that implements an industry-focused curriculum.

The latest data from Central Intelligence Agency’s World Factbook reveals that while the ASEAN remains to be a young region, some Southeast Asian countries are facing a looming demographic crunch due to rapidly aging populations and low birth rates.

Thailand and Singapore had the highest median age in ASEAN with 39.0 and 35.6, respectively. Although this is relatively lower than Japan’s 48.6, one of the world’s highest, both countries are still expected to feel the pressure of decreasing productivity and augmenting social protection expenditures in a few years. Thus, reforms are needed in many key areas.

TAU and higher education institutions pay homage to Southeast Asian heritage

Posted on by Office of External Linkages and International Affairs

In celebration of 54 years of existence of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) and 19 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the ASEAN bloc, hosted the Internationalization and ASEAN Festival which featured competitions and webinars focusing on the region’s culture, arts, and contemporary issues.

Conducted from 25 August until 26 November, the activity was an attempt to address the demands and cope with the implications of internationalization and ASEAN integration. It was also a part of the EduTourism Program, a Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-funded project proposed by Dr Christine N. Ferrer, Director of TAU – External Linkages and International Affairs.

“TAU, together with its partners, is expected to play a role of promoting awareness, sense of community, and deeper understanding and appreciation of the ASEAN diversity,” Dr Ferrer explained.

The three-month event incorporated the following competitions: ASEAN Cuisine; ASEAN Creative National Costume; ASEAN Digital Photography; ASEAN Storytelling; ASEAN Dances; ASEAN Essay Writing; and ASEAN Video Production. TAU delegates seized second place in ASEAN Creative National Costume and third place in ASEAN Video Production. All winners will receive cash prizes and certificates.

Though comprising mainly of contests, Dr. Max P. Guillermo, TAU President, stressed that the affair is not an avenue to vie for supremacy but to forge stronger bonds and to support global cooperation and solidarity. “TAU and its partners must expand reach and visibility in the global arena. We must all embrace the challenges and opportunities of internationalization,” he added.

TAU collaborated with 11 HEIs from the Philippines which include Camarines Sur Polytechnic College (CSPC), Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU), Romblon State University, (RSU) Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISTU), Aklan State University (ASU), Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology (NONESCOST), Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), Agusan Del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT), Bukidnon State University (BukSU), Surigao Del Sur State University (SDSSU), and Western Mindanao State University (WMSU).

Also, eight HEIs represented their respective countries in Internationalization and ASEAN Festival: Royal University of Law and Economics of Cambodia; Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha (Undiksha) of Indonesia; Dongkhamxang Agriculture Technical College of Laos; Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM); Kyaing Tong University (KTU) of Myanmar; Temasek Polytechnic of Singapore; Chiang Rai Rajabhat University (CRRU) of Thailand; and Duy Tan University (DTU) of Vietnam.

Moreover, KTU’s president, Dr. San San Mar, commended the coordinators of the program. “Although it was held virtually, we can see the effort in every part of the event,” she underscored. Dr. San San also expressed her gratitude as their participation in the ASEAN Festival paved the way for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between KTU and TAU. Though relatively new in internationalization undertakings, KTU students were able to haul two first places in ASEAN Cuisine and ASEAN Digital Photography.

Aside from the inter-institutional contests, several HEIs also hosted online conferences. SLSU commenced the webinar series with a forum on “Opportunities and Challenges in a Growing ASEAN Region” on 14 October. ASSCAT spearheaded a session on “Wetlands Conservation and Protection in Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary” on 20 October while Indonesia’s Undiksha led an info session on preparing ASEAN university graduates for an international career on 25 October.

Zeroing in on strategic cooperation between Philippines and Myanmar

Posted on by Office of External Linkages and International Affairs

Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) and Kyaing Tong University (KTU) in Myanmar formalised their partnership in a Ceremonial Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on November 16, 2021 via Zoom.

TAU was represented by its President, Dr Max P. Guillermo, and Dr Christine N. Ferrer, Director of the Office of External Linkages and International Affairs (ELIA).

Their counterparts from KTU, Dr. San San Mar, Rector, and Dr. Shwe Wah, Pro-Rector, were also present. The five-year joint venture shall cover streamlining student and faculty exchange programs and conducting research seminars, conferences, and publications until 2026.

Introduced to TAU by Chiang Rai Rajabhat University of Thailand, KTU is TAU’s first partner Higher Education Institution (HEI) in Myanmar. Situated in the city of Kengtung, KTU consists of 12 academic departments and offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees to more than 4,000 students.

In his statement of purpose, Dr Guillermo reiterated TAU’s mandate to expand reach in the international community and benchmark with KTU to learn from its best practices and share TAU’s brand in return.

“I am jubilant to engage with one of Myanmar’s leading HEIs,” he added. Similarly, Dr. Mar expressed her appreciation of TAU’s undertakings especially the ones related to Sustainable Development Goals and internationalization.

“I share the same view with TAU that universal access to quality education should be a priority. We are committed to taking our relationship forward,” she stressed. KTU is not new to TAU as it already participated in the ASEAN Festival which was launched by TAU – ELIA on 25 August.

Also in attendance were Dr Arnold E. Velasco, TAU’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Asuncion G. Beltran, TAU’s Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training, who both verbalized their support for TAU’s international visibility and acknowledged the significance of tying up with recognized HEIs outside the country to beef up TAU’s reputation in academics and research. College Deans and Directors from both institutions also graced the event.

TAU leads Philippine SUCs in UI Green Metric WUR

Posted on by Office of External Linkages and International Affairs

Considered as an early Christmas gift to Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) community, the UI Green Metric World University Rankings listed TAU as the number one State University and College (SUC) in the Philippines in terms of sustainability performance.

Released on 14 December, the report evaluated the ecological footprint and sustainability in education and research of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), globally. TAU seized the 261st spot with a total score of 6,900 points. This is TAU’s first attempt to be included in the said global list.

TAU’s President, Dr. Max Guillermo, stressed that such recognition validated the efforts of TAU officials and stakeholders. “This milestone proves that we, at TAU, are on the right direction towards our vision of becoming one of the Top 500 universities in Asia.” Dr. Guillermo also mentioned that TAU will embrace green technology and promote conservation of resources as it transitions to a truly Smart University.

De La Salle University – Dasmariñas ranked first among Philippine universities and 182nd globally with 7,325 points. Other universities in the list are De La Salle University Manila (226th), Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (525th), Xavier University Ateneo de Cagayan (659th), Ateneo de Davao University (663rd), Manila Central University (717th), Bataan Peninsula University (736th), and Foundation University (899th).

Topping this year’s ranking is Wageningen University and Research (WUR) of The Netherlands. It was joined in the top 10 by seven more European universities, University of Connecticut in the United States (US), and Universidade de Sao Paulo in Brazil. WUR consistently made it on top since 2017. Universitas Indonesia, which ranked 24th globally, is the number one university in Asia.

The top 10 was traditionally dominated by American and European universities since its inception in 2010. University of California Berkeley (US), University of Notthingham (UK), University of California – Davies (US), and University of Connecticut (US) were once hailed as best HEIs.

Meanwhile, criteria and indicators include the HEI’s setting and infrastructure, Energy and Climate Change, Waste, Water, Transportation, and Education and Research.

“TAU is onboard with the United Nations in making the 2030 Agenda a reality. We will continue to adopt different sustainability measures to ensure a better future for the next generation of TAUinians,” Dr. Christine N. Ferrer, Director of TAU External Linkages and International Affairs, remarked. Dr. Ferrer also shared that TAU is working on other international rankings like the World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI). WURI assesses HEI’s real contributions to society.

TAU appointed as council member to China-ASEAN research consortium

Posted on by Office of External Linkages and International Affairs

Expected to participate in the digital economy integration of countries in the new Western Land-Sea Corridor (WLSC), the China-ASEAN (Association of SouthEast Asian Nations) Big Data Industry-University-Research Alliance designated Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) as the only council member from the Philippines.

Representing TAU is Dr. Christine N. Ferrer, Director of the Office of the External Linkages and International Affairs (ELIA), who attended the Think Tank Network Council Meeting and launching ceremony of the said research alliance on 16-18 November 2021 and was assigned as the Vice Chairman of the council.

Dr. Ferrer shared that TAU’s involvement will benefit its Information Technology (IT)-infrastructure as experts from prominent Chinese companies such as Huawei and China Mobile and the world leader in research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, pledged to extend technical assistance to member institutions. “We will also explore possible linkages for faculty and student mobility and research collaboration,” she confirmed.

Established by Guangxi University and China-ASEAN Information Harbor Institute of Big Data Research in Beijing and Nanning, the coalition aims to set up an institution solely devoted to advance Industry 4.0 data analytics and contribute to the construction of China-ASEAN Digital Silk Road.

TAU, IT-related enterprises, and Higher Education Institutions from China and the ASEAN are encouraged to team up in a number of projects consisting primarily of big data development, joint research, and knowledge-sharing.