Tarlac State University's Board of Regents, key officials, and administrative council members gathered in Subic, Zambales, on November 27-29, 2023 for the annual university planning focusing on the university's 2023 accomplishments and 2024 action plans.
Themed "Innovate, Elevate, Illuminate: TSU as a Beacon of Excellence in Science and Emerging Technologies," these planning sessions marked the university's first time to have discussions using the enhanced roadmaps that the BOR approved in the first quarter of this year.
TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco highlighted the importance of planning to "bring the future to the present" and that the "present is always a product of the past."
Continuing the call for more significant contributions to the community from previous planning sessions, Regent Go emphasized the need to deliver clear messages and information dissemination to stakeholders.
His inputs were centered on elevating the university's quality of operations in terms of service, instruction, internationalization, and, most especially, the quality of its people.
"I know all of you are doing your best. Sometimes, what we really have to do is harmonize everything. And then commit and recommit; dedicate and rededicate; that we give our all, so that what we do here – the plans that we are putting together will be implemented because, at the end of the day, we will be measured by that," Regent Go said in his message to the administration.
"Before thinking outside the box, we need to think within the box. Consider our strengths, our pasts, the resources we have, and continuously improve them... I have high expectations for TSU, and those expectations, maybe, when we go back to the university, should be translated into positive action," he added.
Regent Go and Hon. Douglas C. Ferrer, representing the TSU Federated Faculty Union, proposed the creation of more focused and sustainable research and extension programs with a significant impact on the community.
In response, Pres. Velasco said that the administration works closely with the offices under the Vice President for Research Development and Extension to create more long-term programs and focus on impact assessment of extension projects to ensure relevance to communities to attain his vision for TSU to be recognized as a research institution.
Moreover, Pres. Velasco expressed confidence in TSU's future rankings, commending the comprehensive plan and accomplishments of Roadmap D presented by the Office of Quality Assurance.
"I am optimistic [about] having another assessment, particularly the WURI (World University Rankings for Innovation), and with the things you presented now, I am starting not to worry," Pres. Velasco said.
This year's annual university planning also marks the first time that plans for extensive curriculum enhancements were presented under Roadmap B. This is because of the newly created Office of Curriculum and Instruction under Pres. Velasco's term.
Meanwhile, student regent Hon. Charles Terenz E. Fernandez encouraged improved campus Wi-Fi connections and the refurbishment of turnstiles in university gates for student safety.
Representing the TSU Alumni Association, Hon. Reynaldo L. Catacutan urged vice presidents to support the president in enhancing the university's overall betterment.
Also present during the three-day university planning is Hon. Cherie Lyn F. Onia, representing the Non-Academic Staff Association, who provided inputs in the planning sessions for the welfare and further involvement of the non-teaching personnel in the university's affairs. (jlmm-OPA)
Photo credits: Franc Lewis R. Juanatas
