PROFILE OF UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT

Dr. Silverio Ramon Dela Cruz Salunson is an esteemed academic leader and the current President of Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU). With more than twenty-five years in higher education, he has built a strong foundation in business administration, management information systems, and educational leadership.

Known to many as “Vermon,” he is a proud son of Victoria, Tarlac—born on November 5, 1977, to a farmer and a science teacher. His story reflects humble beginnings and a quiet determination to aim higher. As an elementary student at Victoria East Central Elementary School, he showed early creativity through poster-making and slogan writing. He went on to complete his secondary education at Victoria National High School in 1994, where he wrote for the school publication Tagumpay, earned recognition as Boy Scout of the Year, and served as Battalion Executive Officer in the Citizen Army Training program.

He finished his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, major in Management Information Systems, in just three and a half years at the Philippine School of Business Administration in 1997. During this time, he actively participated in the chess and environmental clubs. Blending business insight with technical expertise, he developed the competencies that would shape his career as an educator and leader.

Driven by a commitment to lifelong learning, Dr. Salunson earned his Master of Business Administration and completed units in Master of Education at Tarlac State University from 2003 to 2007. He later attained his Doctor of Business Administration degree from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila in 2015—marking a significant milestone in a career defined by growth, discipline, and service.

Dr. Salunson’s diverse educational background shaped a perspective that bridges business strategy, educational theory, and practical leadership. His professional journey reflects steady growth, marked by increasing responsibility and a deepening commitment to service.

He began his career in 1998 as an instructor at AMA Computer Learning Center, where he also served as sports coordinator. He later gained experience in the private sector as a customer care consultant at AOL, before returning to academia as an instructor at Concepcion Holy Cross College.

Over the years, he earned the respect of his peers as an effective educator and administrator. He served as Registrar and was later designated as Officer-in-Charge Director of AMA College of Tarlac. At Concepcion Holy Cross College, he took on the role of Department Head for Computer Studies, further demonstrating his leadership and academic expertise.

In 2005, he joined Tarlac College of Agriculture (now Tarlac Agricultural University) as an instructor in both the College of Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences. Through dedication and consistent performance, he steadily advanced in rank—from Instructor I to Assistant Professor V—strengthening his role as a committed educator and leader in the institution.

In 2007, Dr. Salunson took on a broader administrative role as Chief of Property and Supply, where he demonstrated strong management capability. He later served as Director of Admission and Registration, further sharpening his expertise in academic administration and gaining a deeper understanding of the needs of both students and faculty.

As a key member of the Tarlac College of Agriculture (TCA) community, he played an important role in the institution’s transition to university status—now known as Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU). Following this milestone in 2016, his leadership was recognized with his appointment as the first Dean of the College of Business and Management (CBM).

Respected for his academic competence and widely admired for his leadership, Dr. Salunson assumed the presidency of Tarlac Agricultural University in June 2024, marking a new chapter in his continuing service to higher education.

Beyond his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Salunson remains deeply engaged in community service and professional organizations, taking on leadership roles both in civic groups and in the education sector.

He is a member of the Rotary Club of Northern Tarlac and previously served two terms as President of the Tarlac Alab Tala Elite Eagles Club. He is also affiliated with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce – Tarlac and formerly served as Vice President of the Council of Deans and Educators in Business (CODEB II) in Region III.

Within the Fraternal Order of Eagles – Philippine Eagles, Inc., he has served as Assemblyman for the Northern Luzon Region VI. At present, he is the President of the Association of State Colleges and Universities of the Solid North (ASCU-SN).

In the field of quality assurance and higher education, Dr. Salunson is an accreditor of the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) and a member of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Quality Assessment Team—further reflecting his continued commitment to academic excellence and institutional development.

Dr. Salunson’s commitment to advancing academic excellence is reflected in the organizations he supports and the communities he serves. Under his leadership, Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) gained international recognition, ranking 97th in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI). The University also emerged as one of the top-performing institutions in the Philippines, earning recognition as a Center of Excellence in Education. In the field of agriculture, TAU surpassed the national passing rate for the first time and was likewise recognized as a Center of Excellence in Agriculture.

As University President, Dr. Salunson brings a clear vision for TAU—one that inspires the next generation while upholding the highest standards of educational quality. He champions innovation, actively promotes industry collaboration, and encourages entrepreneurship to better serve both students and society.

Through his push for a SMART approach to education, he continues to steer the University toward a model grounded in sustainability and innovation. His leadership focuses on strengthening the connection between education, community, and industry, leveraging modern technology to prepare TAU graduates to become competent and globally competitive leaders.

TAU under Dr. Salunson: Pioneering SMART Revolution in Central Luzon

Under the leadership of this visionary president, Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) stands at a pivotal moment—poised to position itself as a leading model of sustainability and innovation in academia. The University continues to strengthen its foundation through strategic infrastructure development, accreditation, relevant research, and the integration of modern technologies aligned with the needs of students, the community, and industry. This direction not only equips graduates to meet future challenges but also elevates TAU’s role in advancing agricultural education and sustainability both locally and globally.

Dr. Salunson’s administration envisions TAU as an exemplary institution—a technologically enabled campus, rich in modern facilities, and a dynamic hub for research, innovation, and community engagement. Central to this vision is the development of a sustainable green campus, driven by initiatives such as renewable energy adoption, agro-technopreneurship, and the establishment of innovation laboratories. Programs like community gardens, solar farm projects, and training in modern farming technologies aim to deepen environmental awareness among students and stakeholders while promoting sustainable practices.

As TAU moves forward in the landscape of 21st-century education, infrastructure development remains a key priority. The integration of smart technologies—including sensors, data-driven systems, and reliable internet connectivity—forms part of a forward-looking campus blueprint. These innovations are designed to enhance student engagement, improve instructional delivery, and create a learning environment that is responsive to the demands of a technology-driven world—ultimately preparing graduates to thrive in the global workforce.

Dr. Salunson places strong emphasis on program accreditation, particularly AUN-QA and PQA, alongside the University’s continued ISO recertification, to ensure alignment with global standards in higher education. Through these efforts, TAU seeks to strengthen its standing as a globally recognized and respected institution, with academic programs that meet international benchmarks for quality and relevance. This commitment not only enhances the University’s reputation but also expands learning opportunities for its students.

A key component of his agenda is the development of SMART research and extension programs that respond to both academic goals and industry needs. These initiatives are designed to move research beyond theory—translating innovations into practical applications that benefit communities. In doing so, TAU positions itself as a valuable partner for local farmers and businesses, contributing to regional development and economic growth.

Dr. Salunson also promotes active collaboration with technology companies, government agencies, and academic institutions. These partnerships provide access to updated learning resources, support new modes of instruction, and open opportunities for external funding. More importantly, they help ensure that TAU students are well-prepared to navigate and succeed in an increasingly technology-driven and opportunity-rich professional landscape.

The current administration of Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) is committed to strengthening its human resources through comprehensive training programs for administrators, middle management, and rank-and-file employees. By investing in continuous professional development, the University ensures that its stakeholders remain well-versed in best practices in higher education and capable of delivering quality service.

Another key priority is the establishment of a one-stop service center designed to provide seamless and holistic support for students, faculty, staff, and alumni. This initiative aims to streamline essential processes such as registration, course scheduling, academic advising, financial assistance, and other student services—making them more accessible and efficient.

Looking ahead, TAU also envisions the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies across the campus. These innovations are expected to enhance connectivity and operational efficiency, particularly in areas such as transportation management, campus navigation, and environmental monitoring—contributing to a smarter and more responsive university environment.

Dr. Salunson’s Visionary Journey in Making TAU a Premier SMART University

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, Dr. Salunson brings a forward-looking vision that redefines the role of academic institutions in advancing innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. Under his leadership, Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) continues to pursue its mission through six key dimensions of a SMART University: SMART People, SMART Learning, SMART Research and Training, SMART Environment, SMART Technology, and SMART Security. Each of these pillars plays a vital role in shaping the University’s future and strengthening its impact on society.

To support this vision, TAU places strong emphasis on continuous training and professional development, ensuring that faculty and staff remain updated with current trends and best practices in higher education. At the same time, both academic and extracurricular programs are designed to enrich the overall learning experience. These initiatives are regularly reviewed and enhanced to sustain the University’s commitment to educational excellence.

Achieving this vision also requires innovative and learner-centered approaches to teaching. The President continues to advance the accreditation of TAU programs to ensure compliance with rigorous international standards. In addition, the integration of advanced Learning Management Systems (LMS) supports the shift toward digital education, enabling the development of flexible and inclusive online learning platforms that cater to diverse learning needs and styles.

To safeguard the innovations and research outputs generated through SMART initiatives, the President supports the full operationalization of the Intellectual Property Rights Office. Regular updates to the SMART Research and Development Agenda will likewise ensure that the University’s research efforts remain relevant, responsive, and impactful.

Strengthening a vibrant research culture is also a key priority. This includes mentoring programs where senior faculty guide junior researchers, along with the continuous monitoring and evaluation of research initiatives to ensure quality and sustained growth in scholarly output. With sustainability at the core of its development agenda, Dr. Salunson envisions TAU as a pioneering institution in SMART environmental practices. This direction involves the development of smart infrastructure alongside the upgrading of existing facilities to support emerging technologies. A major focus is the establishment of advanced waste management systems that will reinforce the University’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Complementing these efforts are initiatives in renewable energy and energy storage technologies, which further strengthen TAU’s green campus agenda. Recycling programs and waste reduction campaigns are also being actively promoted, positioning the University at the forefront of sustainable and environmentally responsible practices.

Alongside the introduction of new technologies, the need for strong security systems remains a priority. Under the administration of Dr. Salunson, the University is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment through a multidimensional SMART security framework.

Campus-wide Wi-Fi connectivity and well-designed covered walkways contribute to safer and more convenient movement across the University grounds. In addition, the integration of automated systems and smart security technologies helps safeguard both students and staff through real-time monitoring and enhanced safety response capabilities. Strengthening cybersecurity measures further ensures the integrity and protection of institutional data, serving the interests of the entire University community.

With Dr. Salunson at the helm, Tarlac Agricultural University continues its journey toward becoming a leading SMART university—one that not only provides quality education but also creates meaningful impact in both local and global communities. Through its commitment to developing SMART people, advancing SMART learning, strengthening SMART research and training, fostering a SMART environment, integrating SMART technology, and ensuring SMART security, TAU is steadily preparing for a future shaped by innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.

Guided by this holistic direction, the University reaffirms its commitment to student success and academic excellence, laying the foundation for a stronger and more future-ready TAU.