To equip responders from Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) with appropriate knowledge, skills, and attitude to operationalize resources, personnel, and facilities during events and crises, the TAU National Service Training Program (NSTP), the University Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (UDRRM), and Gender and Development (GAD) offices collaborated with the Office of Civil Defence (OCD) in conducting the Gender-Responsive Training on Basic Incident Command System (BICS) at the TAU AgriTourism Hostel Function Hall, 19 June.

With 41 participants completing the intensive three-day program, the training emphasized structured emergency management and gender-inclusive approaches in crisis situations. This marks the second batch of BICS training at TAU, following the inaugural session in 2019.

The sessions, led by a team of seasoned trainers, covered eight required modules, including ICS fundamentals, organizational structure, resource management, and multi-agency coordination. Key facilitators included Mr. Angelo L. Simbol (UPM-SHS Tarlac), SFO1 Fritz O. Perez (BFP Bacolor), Engr. Enrico T. Yuzon (LGU Bataan), Mr. Gabriel Paulo L. Gorospe (Camiling MDRRMO), and Mr. John Ryan Ong (Bongabon MDRRMO).

𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐒 | Faculty researchers present their innovative proposals at the Farmers' Training Center on 20 June, pitching before a panel of experienced research evaluators for possible internal funding.

Project proponents articulate how their concepts respond to current challenges in agriculture, technology, and sustainable development. The panel evaluates each proposal according to merit, practicality, and its potential to contribute meaningfully to TAU’s research landscape.

This critical review process is facilitated by the Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training (OVPRET) and the Department of Research and Development (DRD), which support initiatives with strong academic value and community relevance.

𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐒 | The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office III (CHEDRO III) conducts a rigorous program evaluation of three graduate programs at Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) on 19 June: PhD in Agronomy, PhD in Animal Science, and MS in Agriculture.

The Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT), composed of Dr. Aimee Lynn B. Dupo, Dr. Elpidio Agbisit, Dr. Roel Paolo Anicas, and Ms. May V. De Mesa-Zapanta, assess the programs through comprehensive presentations, an ocular inspection of TAU’s academic and research facilities, and in-depth discussions with university officials and personnel.

The RQAT shares valuable impressions and recommendations, acknowledging the strengths of the programs while identifying areas that require further attention. These insights will help the College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) and the Office of the Graduate Programs refine their curricula, strengthen research initiatives, and enhance institutional resources to address evolving needs in the agricultural sector.

𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐒 | The Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) joins the 2nd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED), with employees, students, and guests promptly performing the duck, cover, and hold and evacuation procedures. The exercise aims to bolster the University’s disaster preparedness and ensure the community’s readiness during seismic emergencies.

Led by TAU’s National Service Training Program (NSTP) and the University Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (UDRRMC), the drill ensures an organized and coordinated effort and promotes a culture of safety and resilience across the campus.

𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐒 | 𝐓𝐀𝐔 𝐟𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐆𝐀𝐃 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬, 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐆𝐃𝐆, 𝐆𝐌𝐄𝐅 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐟𝐟-𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫

The Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU), through the Gender and Development (GAD) Office, led a three-day training workshop focused on evaluating GAD mainstreaming activities using the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG) and the Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF), held in Alaminos, Pangasinan, from 19 to 21 June. This initiative aimed to equip members and coordinators of the Focal Point System (GFPS) with the appropriate tools and knowledge to effectively assess GAD programs and policies within the University.

The team started the activity with a learning session through a benchmarking visit, engaging in discussions with Pangasinan State University (PSU) experts led by their GAD Director, Dr. Romary R. Lincod. During the session, participants observed PSU’s best practices, explored strategic approaches to gender mainstreaming, and examined innovative methodologies for program evaluation at the PSU Urduja GAD Resource Center.