CAMILING, Tarlac (May 27, 2026) — Tarlac State University (TSU) and the Municipality of Camiling formalized a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on May 26 at the Sangguniang Bayan Hall to strengthen the capabilities of Child Development Workers (CDWs) under Project START+.
Camiling is the fifth of eight municipalities in Tarlac province to join the initiative, titled Project START+: Advancing Capacity of Child Development Workers Across All Municipalities.
TSU was represented by University President Dr. Jasper Jay N. Mendoza, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Atty. Wilmark J. Ramos, CCLGSPD Director Dr. Cynthia G. Quiambao, and other officials. The local government was led by Mayor Hon. Joyce Benitez Agustin, Vice Mayor Hon. Gladys T. Agustin, and MSWDO Officer Ms. Rikka Kireina Lamorena Andres.
In his message, Dr. Mendoza recognized CDWs as a child’s first teacher, saying, “Long before a child enters a formal classroom, it is the CDW who serves as their first teacher — nurturing curiosity, building confidence, and laying the earliest foundations of learning.“ He pledged that TSU will open lasting pathways for CDWs to pursue continuing education.
Mayor Agustin called the partnership a meaningful milestone, stating on her Facebook post:
“Isang hakbang para sa mas matatag na serbisyong pangkabataan! Layunin ng programang ito na palakasin ang kaalaman at kakayahan ng ating Child Development Workers upang mas maibigay ang dekalidad na pangangalaga at edukasyon para sa bawat batang Camileño. Patuloy ang ating pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan para sa mas maunlad na kinabukasan ng ating mga kabataan.”
She added that the MOA reflects a shared commitment to strengthen CDWs through education and community development.
The project aims to expand CDW training, support children with special needs, increase parental engagement, and advocate for local ordinances protecting CDW welfare.
Three more municipalities are set to join the province-wide initiative.
