CONCEPCION, Tarlac — Tarlac State University (TSU), through the Center for Community and Local Governance Studies and Policy Development (CCLGSPD), officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Municipality of Concepcion on June 19, 2026, at the Mayor’s Office Conference Hall.
The signing marks Concepcion as the sixth among eight municipalities to formally join Project START+: Advancing Capacity of Child Development Workers Across All Municipalities — a long-term extension and research initiative aimed at elevating the competencies and professional growth of Child Development Workers (CDWs) throughout Tarlac Province.
Representing TSU at the ceremony were University President Jasper Jay Mendoza, Executive Assistant Brigido Corpuz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Niño Corpuz, College of Education Dean Cynthia Quiambao, Center for Community and Local Governance Studies and Policy Development Director Vien Jamaica Samson, and Department Head John Lanuzo.
The Municipality of Concepcion was represented by Mayor Noel Villanueva and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Head Jessa Mae Centeno, together with several Child Development Workers who attended the occasion.
Mendoza delivered TSU’s message of commitment, highlighting the vital role CDWs play as the foundation of a child’s early development and learning. He emphasized that the partnership reflects TSU’s continuing dedication to supporting those who care for the province’s youngest learners.
In a social media post, Villanueva described the partnership as “A partnership forged for the future of every child in Concepcion.”
“Through this partnership, the LGU of Concepcion and Tarlac State University take a significant step toward ensuring that the youth in Concepcion receive quality care, guidance, and a strong foundation for lifelong learning,” Villanueva said, reaffirming the municipality’s commitment to strengthening early childhood care and development through continuous capacity-building and professional growth opportunities for Child Development Workers.
With Concepcion now officially part of the initiative, Project START+ continues to expand its reach across Tarlac Province, with six of eight municipalities having signed the MOA. Through this partnership, the LGU of Concepcion and Tarlac State University take a significant step toward ensuring that the youth in Concepcion receive quality care, guidance, and a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
