Charting the course for the years 2026 to 2027, the Tarlac State University Board of Regents, key officials, and the administrative council convened for the annual planning held on February 20 at the TSU Hotel 5th floor.
Themed “Defining TSU’s Journey Towards Higher Quality and SUC Classification”, the planning sessions consisted of brief presentations on the university’s 2025 accomplishments under the seven roadmaps, as well as its plans for years 2026 to 2027.
In his opening remarks, university president Dr. Arnold E. Velasco underscored that strategic planning goes beyond presentations and reported accomplishments.
“Strategic planning is not about the number of slides and accomplishments our presenters have, but about the lives that we touch and the legacy we leave behind,” he said.
Moreover, Pres. Velasco emphasized the significance of collective decision-making in shaping the institution’s future.
“We are here [today] because the best futures of TSU depend on the decisions we make — all of us together now — and the unity we demonstrate today,” he added.
Marking her first appearance as the newest member of the board of regents, Hon. Maricar N. Banting, Non-Academic Staff Association representative, highlighted the university’s continuing progress.
“TSU’s journey is not just about growth; it is a legacy in motion. With all our efforts, initiatives, perseverance, and sacrifices, I believe that the best chapters are yet to come,” Hon. Banting said.
Meanwhile, student regent Hon. Brixter L. Millo, encouraged stakeholders to approach the planning process with reflection and accountability.
“I hope we see this planning as a responsibility to keep things grounded and as an opportunity to pause and reflect — to see what we need to improve and where we may be falling short,” he said.
Now serving his final term as president, Pres. Velasco also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the TSU community.
“I will always be a proud son and supporter of TSU, and I will carry its good name and honor for the rest of my life,” he said.
Roadmap targets alignment with SUC levelling
In line with the university’s bid for a higher state universities and colleges (SUC) levelling reclassification, members of the Board of Regents encouraged the administration to align all targets with the guidelines and criteria set by the Commission on Higher Education.
Under Roadmap A, Faculty Regent Hon. Winifredo Luis and private sector representative Hon. Christine Anne Corazon A. Lamorena urged the administration to find ways to better support and encourage faculty participation in research.
In response, Vice President for Academic Affairs shared that the university is working on coaching and mentoring programs to support teaching personnel in producing research outputs and is reviewing institutional promotion policies.
In terms of budget allocations, the regents reminded the administration to spend wisely and find alternative sources of income.
Hon. Banting also commended the centers under the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation for securing external research funding. However, she encouraged them to develop strategies to fully mobilize these centers for long-term sustainability.
Moreover, she reminded the administration to secure Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC) from the DENR for the Lucinda and San Isidro campuses, noting that the Main Campus has held one since 2018.
The regents likewise lauded the accomplishments and comprehensive plans presented under Roadmap D by Dr. Nino B. Corpuz, Office of Quality Assurance director.
“We hope this continues and we will be expecting more,” Hon. Luis remarked.
For Roadmap E, Dr. Marlon Gamido, Office of Management and Information Systems director, assured the board that efforts are ongoing to strengthen internet connectivity and expand access points across the university’s three campuses.
Meanwhile, under Roadmap F, Dr. Grace Rosete, Office of International Affairs and Linkages director, confirmed that policies for faculty and student international mobility programs which has already been approved by the board.
The planning ended with university officials reaffirming their commitment to align programs, policies, and resources with SUC-leveling standards. With targets set for 2026–2027, they emphasized sustained coordination and accountability to steer the institution toward higher quality and improved classification.
Photos: Franc Lewis R. Juanatas
