TARLAC CITY, Tarlac — The University of the Philippines Open University, the City Government of Tarlac, and the Provincial Government of Tarlac signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) on June 3, 2026, to formally establish a Tarlac Learning Hub.
Both agreements were signed by UPOU Chancellor Joane Serrano, with city mayor Susan Yap and governor Christian Yap each signing for their respective local government units. UPOU Faculty of Education Dean Charisse Reyes was a witness at the two signings.
The hub is envisioned to be used as a center of academic support and a community training space where locals can pursue higher education and skills training without having to travel far away from the province.
The partnership’s origin dates back to the consultative meeting on May 20, 2026, on the increasing demand for access to tertiary education in Tarlac. The momentum picked up after contacts were made with UP President Angelo Jimenez within the context of an overall plan to increase UP’s presence via community-based learning hubs nationwide. The formalization of the agreement was hastened by Mayor Yap’s later visit to UPOU.
The Tarlac partnership, according to Chancellor Serrano, is a direct response to UPOU’s mandate to make quality education more accessible to all, particularly as it is one of the tangible outcomes of the earlier exploratory discussions with local governments.
Governor Yap emphasized the significance of the partnership in providing structured opportunities for upskilling, reskilling, and lifelong learning opportunities in various industries of the province.
Meanwhile, Mayor Yap described the signing as a “historic moment” for the city and province, and noted that it is essential to increase access to education to achieve local development. The city will be donating 40 desktop computers to help equip the learning hub and provide access to digital learning, she said.
The Tarlac Learning Hub will be used by students enrolled in the school, for workers who need professional development, and community members who want to continue their education. It will offer academic assistance, training, and other educational courses that will be of benefit to Tarlaqueños and neighboring provinces.
