Reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection, Tarlac State University formalized a three-year partnership with the Municipality of Victoria on Thursday (January 22) at the 4th Floor Investment Building in Victoria, Tarlac.
The university's Center for Engineering and Environmental Research (CEER) leads the partnership sealed through a memorandum of agreement, which covers the project titled "Victoria Drainage and Biodiversity Enhancement Plan.”
Victoria is the first local government unit in Tarlac Province to partner with TSU for this project, aiming to address flooding concerns while promoting sustainable water and environmental management.
“This is another step-up para sa ating bayan. We are always working toward a more developed Victoria, and we cannot do this without the help of experts from TSU,” Victoria Vice Mayor Hon. Tristan Reevo P. Guiam said.
Meanwhile, Victoria Mayor Hon. Rex C. Villa Agustin emphasized the importance of bayanihan and collective responsibility in achieving development.
“Nandito pa rin po 'yung nagtutulungan, nagkakaisa, nagbubuhatan, at nagkakaroon ng sense of belongingness. Nandito pa rin po 'yung may puso’t damdamin at pakialam para sa bayan. Ako, bilang punong bayan, hindi ko magagawang paunlarin ang Victoria kung hindi tayo magtutulungan—mula sa pinakamaliit na manggagawa hanggang sa pinakamataas,” he said.
The project is jointly funded, with TSU allocating 1.3 million pesos and Victoria LGU contributing nearly 2 million pesos.
CEER, under the leadership of Dr. Murphy P. Mohammed, with the support of experts from the Department of Civil Engineering from the College of Engineering, will develop a comprehensive drainage and flood control master plan that will serve as the municipality’s reference for projects and activities from 2026 to 2032.
The master plan will involve a detailed assessment of Victoria’s existing drainage systems, hydrology, and topography using a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based digital terrain model to help identify flood-prone areas, watershed boundaries, and stream networks.
In support of the drainage plan, a Baseline Ecological Assessment will also be conducted at the Canarem Lake. The assessment will focus on the lake’s flora and fauna, water quality, and overall ecological health to guide proposed interventions for the drainage plan's construction and operation, while ensuring the protection of its bird sanctuary.
Additionally, the project will also include the development of a species inventory booklet or field guide.
TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco reaffirmed the university’s commitment to the project through a message delivered by Presidential Assistant Atty. Brigido B. Corpuz.
Moreover, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Atty/ Wilmark J. Ramos thanked the Victoria LGU for its active participation in TSU’s extension initiatives and called for unity in advocating for a safer environment and a progressive community.
Following the MOA signing, Engineering Solution Department Head Engr. Veronica Joy V. David from CEER conducted an orientation with the municipality’s barangay chairpersons to present an overview of the project and identify barangay focal persons. (jlm-OPA)
Photo courtesy Franc Lewis R. Juanatas
