On March 2, 2022 at TAU’s Farmers’ Training Center, CBSUA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) in Region III. TAU’s first recognized higher education institution (HEI) collaborator in the Bicol Region is CBSUA.
Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) was founded in 1944 in Camiling, Tarlac, Philippines. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), and the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines all officially acknowledge the university (AACCUP).
TAU is optimistic that the collaboration will help boost its agricultural and bioresources-related programs and systems. In his address, Dr. Max P. Guillermo, TAU President, called for input from the CBSUA delegate. “I hope that while you tour the (TAU) campus, you will also notice areas that may be improved.”
Both parties are also expected to share expertise and resources as part of the MOU’s key terms. “We hope to benefit from your experience,” CBSUA President Dr. Alberto N. Naperi remarked. In addition, Dr. Naperi said that they chose TAU because it is one of the few SUCs in the country that has a good international reputation.
Additionally, TAU and CBSUA administration and faculty will collaborate to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Apart from that, the participating institutions will conduct joint research and develop joint projects.
Meanwhile, Dr. Christine N. Ferrer, Director of TAU-External Linkages and International Affairs (ELIA), moderated a roundtable discussion on TAU’s experience with the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, QS Stars, World Universities with Real Impact, and University of Illinois Green Metric. Dr. Ferrer briefed the group on the methods, techniques, and rules that TAU followed while applying to the aforementioned university rankings. This activity is one of several benchmarking initiatives requested by CBSUA leadership.