Tarlac State University (TSU) and the Our Lady of Peace College Seminary (OLPCS) expanded their partnership by signing an addendum to the existing Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on August 28, 2026, at the TSU main AVR.
The addendum facilitates the expansion of the TSU-OLPCS partnership, which was renewed in 2024, bringing more colleges and offices into collaborative efforts in education, research, extension, infrastructure, and formation.
The two institutions have been partners for thirty-seven (37) years, which started in 1989.
The addendum includes the College of Architecture and Fine Arts (CAFA) and the College of Engineering (CoE), which are tasked with extending their expertise to assist the seminary in planning and designing infrastructure projects.
The university will also guide the OLPCS in complying with the requirements of the Commission on Higher Education for its assessment, evaluation, and other reportorial documents.
In return, the OLPCS will deploy formators to teach Latin and Spanish and explore a possible expansion of the foreign language program.
Meanwhile, the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), which has led the extension service, will continue to have its faculty pool of experts teach in the seminary, together with faculty members from the College of Education (CoEd), to further the academic, research, extension, and cultural initiatives.
“We commit our people…Our faculty will continue to teach at the seminary, our guidance counselors will work with the seminarians in their discernment, not as a favor to be counted but as a privilege to be honored,” President Jasper Jay Mendoza said in his message of commitment.
In addition, the Office of Gender and Development (OGAD) Director, Prof. Christine Janelle M. Santiago, reaffirmed the office’s commitment to promoting gender sensitivity alongside the formation in the seminary.
In his message of commitment, OLPCS Dean of Studies Rev. Fr. Frank B. Manalang mentioned the positive impact of the decades-long partnership of TSU and OLPCS, starting when the seminary was founded and TSU became a full-fledged university.
“This moment represents our shared commitment, cooperation, mutual support, and the pursuit of excellence in education and formation,” Rev. Fr. Manalang declared.
Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension (VPRIE) Dr. Niño B. Corpuz shared his insights on the foundations of the successful collaboration between TSU and OLPCS, giving importance to five virtues: formation, alignment, integrity, trust, and harmony, or F.A.I.T.H., between the two institutions.
Present also in the MOU signing are Dr. Brendalyn A. Manzano, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Rev. Fr. Estelito Gamboa, Spiritual Formation Director of Discipleship and Propaedeutic Department; Rev. Fr. Anthony George V. Bergonio, OLPCS Rector; and Rev. Fr. Jeffrey B. Gramonte, Human Formation Director – Discipleship Stage Procurator.
Photo by: Mr. John Michael D. Esteban
