𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞: 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲 𝐔𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐀𝐔’𝐬 𝐈𝐆𝐏 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞: 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲 𝐔𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐀𝐔’𝐬 𝐈𝐆𝐏 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

Beyond academic instruction, Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) upholds integrity and accountability in all its operations, including the management of its Income-Generating Projects (IGP). One such example is reflected in a recent incident at the Continuing Education Center (CEC) and the University-managed hostel facility, which highlights the ethical standards observed by TAU employees.

On January 11, CEC operated and served as the venue for the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Olarte. Following the event, the couple stayed overnight at the TAU hostel until January 12, availing of the university’s accommodation services offered to both internal and external clients.

Following the usual protocol, Ms. Lorenz Agustin, Houseparent 1, who is assigned to the facility, conducted routine housekeeping and sanitation activities. While doing so, Ms. Agustin noticed a small bundle wrapped in paper which she later discovered to contain ₱10,000 in cash. 

Ms. Agustin immediately surrendered the money to her supervisor and reported the incident for proper documentation and safekeeping. In accordance with University protocols and ethical standards, Ms. Agustin and her team immediately surrendered the money to the couple who were initially unaware that they had accidentally left the cash behind.

Given that the couple were the only occupants of the facility during the said period, ownership of the money was conclusively established. The couple arranged to personally retrieve the amount on Friday, 16 January.

“I knew returning it was the right thing to do. As the old saying goes, ‘Honesty is the best policy.’ Doing so brought me peace of mind, showed respect for both the owner and for God, and reflected the guidance of my faith in making the decision," Ms. Agustin stated.

This is a significant incident which draws into focus the issue of appropriate conduct when undertaking the various TAU IGP’s. It illustrates equal attention to issues of transparency, trust, and integrity in their service delivery.

Such acts of integrity encourage public confidence in the facilities and personnel found within TAU, upholding the institution’s commitment towards good governance and quality service delivery.

Thank you, Ms. Agustin! Your whole TAU family is so proud of you!

#SmartTAU #GreenandGlobal #Hostel #CEC #IGP #SDG4 #SDG8 #SDG17

Text | Carmina S. Melchor [Information Unit]  

Photos | TAU Hostel and CEC