Tarlac State University, through the College of Business and Accountancy and the Extension Services Management Office, and the local government of Pura signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to strengthen partnership for community development on Thursday afternoon (February 23) at the TSU Main AVR.
The MOA outlines how the two parties will work together to improve the community of Pura and uplift the skills of Puranians by teaching them how to establish businesses.
Moreover, the agreement presents the provisions on resource utilization for the adoptive community through "Project Pura" where TSU will train and provide informal education via seminars and training services. These will be directed to various community sectors to develop human resources.
In a statement of commitment, TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco expressed his gratitude to LGU Pura and pledged to support and sustain the partnership's vision.
“I would like to thank LGU Pura for trusting us for allowing us to partner with you. I am assuring you po, LGU Pura, that you will not regret partnering with us as we will be giving our very best to deliver the goals that you are expecting from us,” Pres. Velasco said.
Meanwhile, Pura town Vice Mayor Atty. John Paul L. Balmores, representing the LGU, thanked the university and committed to fulfilling their obligations in the agreement. He is hopeful that the needs of their town and constituents will be addressed through this collaboration.
“Marami na rin po kasing mga development sa bayan ng Pura. Fortunately, may nagpapa-reclass po for commercial purposes, so nababawasan na po ang aming mga farmlands. Kaya 'yung mga ganitong training po, seminars na ibinibigay po mga partner, [malaking tulong po] kasi hindi po namin kaya 'pag kami lang sa LGU. Hindi po namin kaya ibigay lahat ng services," Vice Mayor Balmores said.
“So, we are really humbled and grateful po na napili po ninyo ang aming maliit na bayan para bigyan po ng ganitong serbisyo. Maraming, maraming salamat po talaga. Makakatulong po ito ng malaki sa aming mga kababayan lalo sa kanilang kabuhayan,” he added.
Vice Mayor Balmores also mentioned that most of the municipality's income comes from farming, particularly rice and corn.
During the program, CBA Extension Chairperson Prof. Christine Janelle Santiago shared some of the upcoming initiatives that will improve the livelihood and quality of life of the Puranians in support of the college’s vision to be a catalyst in terms of economic growth and enterprise development.
Among the future projects mentioned are the Gender and Development seminar series, Magna Carta of Women seminar, tinapa production, development of byproducts from corn, malunggay capsule and turmeric powder fabrication, and mats and rugs making.
Prof. Santiago said they are set to launch the activities this March 2023.
