In a significant step toward community development, Tarlac State University strengthened its partnership with eight municipalities in Tarlac Province through the ceremonial signing of memoranda of agreement for the Project START-UP, an initiative designed to support and uplift child development workers (CDWs).
Project Sustainable Training Assistance and Revitalized Teaching Upskilling Performance (START-UP) aims to sustain the skills and elevate the competencies of CDWs in the local government units of Anao, Gerona, Moncada, Paniqui, Pura, Ramos, San Manuel, and Victoria through seminars, training sessions, and capacity-building activities focused on early childhood care and education (ECCD).
The MOA signing was held on November 20, 2025 at the Alumni Center in Lucinda Campus.
“Ang pagbibigay lakas at patuloy na pagsasanay ng ating mga CDWs ay hindi lamang programa, ito ay isang pangmatagalang pamumuhunan para sa kinabukasan ng bawat pamilyang Tarlakenyo,” Atty. Wilmark J. Ramos, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, said in his opening remarks.
Furthermore, TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco also emphasized the value of investing in early childhood development through the initiative, noting that strengthening children at a young age contributes significantly to building stable and productive communities.
Project START-UP is the second phase and expansion of Project START, both under the Center for Community and Local Governance Studies and Policy Development (CCLGSPD), led by Dr. Cynthia G. Quiambao, director and overall project head.
Project START will conclude in December 2025 after a three-year run, while Project START-UP, with an approximate funding of two million pesos from partner LGUs, serves as another three-year extension program that will commence in January 2026.
“The most important years of a child’s life are from 0 to 7 years old. Maraming salamat dahil TSU pala ang aming missing link sa best education na pwedeng ibigay sa kanila. You have changed their lives forever. Napakaswerte ng ating mga susunod na ECCD students because of TSU,” Hon. Doña Cresencia R. Tesoro, San Manuel municipal mayor said.
Through the enhanced Project START-UP, TSU will deliver advanced and continuous coaching, mentoring, guided observation, and evaluation for CDWs in classroom education and feeding program execution, with particular focus on managing children with special needs, hygienic procedures, and early childhood education methodologies.
The university is also set to establish a responsive feedback and monitoring system to support informed decision-making and continuous program improvement.
Present during the ceremonial signing were municipal mayors Hon. Gian Pierre O. De Dios of Anao; Hon. Ramon Benito M. Aquino of Moncada; Hon. Kathleen C. Roxas of Paniqui; Hon. John Paul M. Balmores of Pura; Hon. Celso L. Banag of Ramos; Hon. May B. Eclar, represented by Gerona Municipal Councilor Hon. Jason Benar Palomar; and Hon. Rex C. Villa Agustin, represented by Victoria Vice Mayor Hon. Tristan Reevo P. Guiam, together with the respective heads of their Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices.
From Project START to Project START-UP
During the presentation of project objectives, Prof. Vien Jamaica D. Samson, Local Government and Policy Development department head and one of the project component heads, discussed the development of Project START into Project START-UP.
According to Ms. Samson, Project START was created to address limited capacity of childcare services in the province, identified through focus group discussions with CDWs, MSWDOs, and parent representatives in 2022.
Since then, the CCLGSPD, together with TSU’s pool of experts from various colleges, has crafted intervention programs to equip CDWs with essential skills and knowledge on child development education, aligned with the guidelines of Administrative Order No. 15, s. 2011, issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
TSU also partnered with private institutions specializing in special education and with U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers who specialize in early childhood and special needs education in conducting seminars and training sessions.
From 2022 to present, Project START has served 232 CDWs and conducted 26 training sessions covering curriculum planning, learning material development, creative activities, managing children with special needs and disabilities, food safety, and collaboration with parents and barangay officials.
Project START culmination
In the afternoon, the 232 CDWs from partner LGUs received their certificates of completion for the 104 training hours under Project START.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Quiambao highlighted that the university’s three-year partnership has cultivated a strong and meaningful partnership between TSU and the various MSWDOs.
She emphasized that the sustained connection has allowed both TSU and the LGUs to work hand in hand in addressing the evolving needs of CDWs.
Meanwhile, the beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the university for its continued support and service.
“Akala ko po noon ay marami na kaming kaalaman sa pagtuturo, ngunit hindi pala doon natatapos—kailangan pa naming patuloy na linangin ang mga ito upang makasabay sa makabagong panahon. Kaya naman kami po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa TSU,” San Manuel CDW Ms. Marie Paz V. Halaman said.
“Maraming salamat po dahil kami ay nagkaroon ng karagdagang kaalaman sa tulong ng mga intervention programs upang masigurong ang mga bata ay ligtas at protektado sa aming daycare centers,” Anao CDW Ms. Franceska D. Gaspar added.
In his closing remarks, VP Ramos recognized the efforts and dedication of the CDWs in serving the youth.
“Patuloy nating itaguyod ang kalidad at malasakit sa bawat batang ating tinuturuan, sapagkat sa kanilang mga ngiti at tagumpay nasusukat ang tunay na bunga ng ating pagsisikap,” VP Ramos said. (jlm-OPA)
Photo: Eduardo F. Laxamana Jr.
