𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐒 | 𝐎𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭: 𝐓𝐀𝐔 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐨𝐬 𝐚𝐢𝐦 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐠'𝐥 𝐒𝐂𝐔𝐀𝐀 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) is set to deploy a 248-member athlete delegation to the 2026 Regional SCUAA (State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association) Games, at the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) on 22–27 February.

With 13 member institutions competing this year, TAU’s contingent eyes a strong medal haul, anchored on a balanced lineup of seasoned athletes and emerging talents. In an interview, Sports Development Office (SDO) Director Dr. Emerson B. Cuzzamu further shared that TAU has implemented significant adjustments in its preparation strategy following the graduation of key medalists, particularly in athletics. 

“We revisited and overhauled our entire training program to rebuild our core,” he said. The revamped regimen features intensified daily sessions, with morning training from 5:00 to 8:00 and afternoon practices from 5:00 or earlier to 7:00.

TAU will also field a women’s softball team for the first time. “We will gradually enter all sports events as part of our long-term plan,” Dr. Cuzzamu explained. 

Despite the transitions, Dr. Cuzzamu expressed confidence in several disciplines to deliver gold medals. “We are counting on our traditional powerhouses, athletics and archery, to be primed for the podium,” he noted.

𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐑 | 𝐓𝐀𝐔–𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐒𝐀 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐀 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞  (𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙧𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨)

You may also read Part 1 [https://bit.ly/4qSdJZx] and Part 2 [https://bit.ly/4bFi1iy]. 

𝐆𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐨, 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰

For the staff of the TAU–PAGASA Agromet Station, their work transcends ordinary employment; it is a vocation grounded in public service and scientific responsibility. Each day demands constant vigilance and a firm commitment to the farmers whose livelihoods rise and fall with the condition of the atmosphere.

This team does not simply observe the weather; they analyze and interpret it, converting complex atmospheric measurements into practical guidance for the fields that sustain the nation. Their mission responds to necessity. Tarlac’s climate, marked by a pronounced dry season followed by periods of intense rainfall, requires precise, localized information. In such situations, agrometeorological data is not optional; it is often the difference between a successful harvest and severe loss.

“We challenge our farmers to move beyond traditional knowledge alone and integrate scientific data into their decisions,” explains Mr. Eddie V. Ynocando, a 56-year-old agrometeorological observer with 18 years of service. The importance of his work, which began at the Tagaytay Agromet Station, becomes especially evident during isolated thunderstorms and in monitoring the vast, evolving systems of tropical cyclones that threaten agricultural communities.

The station’s mission is sustained by a diverse group of professionals, each confronting distinct demands. For Jonas Joshua F. Tomas, the greatest challenges lie in collecting accurate data during severe weather and reporting for duty even on holidays. These conditions are non-negotiable. He finds meaning in this responsibility, noting that even when Tarlac is placed under Signal No. 4, the team must report for duty because national forecasters rely on their real-time agrometeorological inputs.

𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐒  | 𝐏𝐫𝐞- 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐀𝐅 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐄𝐓 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬

Demonstrating its dedication to producing work-ready and values-driven graduates, Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) successfully conducted the Pre-Deployment Orientation Seminars (PDOS) of the College of Engineering and Technology (CET) and the College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) on 20 January 2026 at the Continuing Education Center, TAU, in partnership with the Students Placement Office (SPO) led by Dr. Benny S. Soliman.

The CET officially opened the seminar with welcome remarks from Dr. Ruben A. Parazo, Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology, who emphasized the importance of professionalism, discipline, and ethical conduct as students transition from academic learning to real-world workplace environments. Meanwhile, CAF was warmly welcomed by Ms. Mileatte P. Omaney, Assistant Dean of the College of Agriculture and Forestry, who encouraged students to uphold the University’s core values while gaining meaningful industry experience.

An inspirational message from the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Sonny DC. Torres set the tone for the activity and highlighted the importance of a strong work ethic in shaping competent and responsible professionals. The message was delivered by the Assistant Director for Curriculum and Instruction, Ms. Analyn Diane P. Silverio, who underscored the significance of integrity, accountability, and adaptability in the workplace.

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞: 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲 𝐔𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐀𝐔’𝐬 𝐈𝐆𝐏 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

Beyond academic instruction, Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) upholds integrity and accountability in all its operations, including the management of its Income-Generating Projects (IGP). One such example is reflected in a recent incident at the Continuing Education Center (CEC) and the University-managed hostel facility, which highlights the ethical standards observed by TAU employees.

On January 11, CEC operated and served as the venue for the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Olarte. Following the event, the couple stayed overnight at the TAU hostel until January 12, availing of the university’s accommodation services offered to both internal and external clients.

Following the usual protocol, Ms. Lorenz Agustin, Houseparent 1, who is assigned to the facility, conducted routine housekeeping and sanitation activities. While doing so, Ms. Agustin noticed a small bundle wrapped in paper which she later discovered to contain ₱10,000 in cash. 

Ms. Agustin immediately surrendered the money to her supervisor and reported the incident for proper documentation and safekeeping. In accordance with University protocols and ethical standards, Ms. Agustin and her team immediately surrendered the money to the couple who were initially unaware that they had accidentally left the cash behind.

Given that the couple were the only occupants of the facility during the said period, ownership of the money was conclusively established. The couple arranged to personally retrieve the amount on Friday, 16 January.

“I knew returning it was the right thing to do. As the old saying goes, ‘Honesty is the best policy.’ Doing so brought me peace of mind, showed respect for both the owner and for God, and reflected the guidance of my faith in making the decision," Ms. Agustin stated.

This is a significant incident which draws into focus the issue of appropriate conduct when undertaking the various TAU IGP’s. It illustrates equal attention to issues of transparency, trust, and integrity in their service delivery.

Such acts of integrity encourage public confidence in the facilities and personnel found within TAU, upholding the institution’s commitment towards good governance and quality service delivery.

Thank you, Ms. Agustin! Your whole TAU family is so proud of you!