TAU President Dr. Silverio Ramon DC. Salunson noted that Sen. Villanueva’s exemplary vision for quality education and service as a 2019-2022 TAU Board of Regents (BOR) member quietly supported the University through pioneering platforms that guided students in academic continuity, digital transformation, and health resilience strengthening.

In his past and previous commitments to quality public service, Sen. Villanueva worked diligently as a former Secretary of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and is currently one of the commissioners of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM2).

As part of the Conferment Rites, Sen. Villanueva received the academic emblems and was assisted by Hon. Desiderio R. Apag III, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Chairman of the TAU Board of Regents, along with Dr. Lora L. Yusi, CHED Region III Regional Director and Resource Person of the TAU BOR, in donning the blue academic gown—a symbol of excellence and boundless potential for knowledge.

Subsequently, Sen. Villanueva was presented with the academic hood, symbolizing the highest honor conferred and embodying TAU’s most cherished principles; the TAU medallion, reflecting his alignment with the university’s core values and his role as an ambassador of scholarship, public service, and community partnership; and the academic cap, representing the scholarly achievement of every TAUian.

Meanwhile, Sen. Villanueva took the Oath of Membership as TAU alumni before the Vice President for Research Extension and Training (VPRET) and the President of TAU Alumni Association, Dr. Edmar N. Franquera.

In his acceptance speech, Sen. Villanueva expressed gratitude to TAU and underscored the critical link that connects agricultural advancement, technological innovation, quality education, and national progress. He commended the University for its role in developing skilled graduates vital to the region and nation.

79th Commencement Exercises and Recognition Program

Anchored on the theme “Pagpapanday at Pagyabong: TAU’s Champions Forging Paths for an Inclusive and Resilient Future,” the graduation rites honored graduands from the College of Education (CET), the College of Engineering and Technology (CET), and Certificate Courses of the College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) who proudly marched to receive their long awaited diplomas and certificates.

The College Deans: Dr. Claire Anne A. Olivares of CEd, Dr. Ruben A. Parazo of CET, and Dr. Sinamar E. Estudillo of CAF presented the list of the candidates for graduation from their respective Colleges to Dr. Salunson.

Pursuant to Presidential Decree (P.D.) No. 907, titled “Granting Civil Service Eligibility to College Honor Graduates,” the Director of Civil Service Commission (CSC) Field Office Tarlac, Dir. Maria Cristina R. Gonzales, administered the conferment of civil service eligibility to the graduands with latin honors.

The 14th awardee of TAU’s Honoris Causa, Sen. Villanueva, also delivered an inspirational message following the distribution of diplomas and certificates to the graduates of TAU Batch 2024-2025.

Meanwhile, Mr. Rence Xavier P. Lorenzo, a magna cum laude from Bachelor of Secondary Education program, led the Pledge of Loyalty to the Alma Mater. Graduates also took an Oath of Membership to the TAU Alumni before Dr. Franquera.

During this significant milestone, TAU ensures the safety of participants and deployed its Incident Management Team (IMT) in partnership with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Tarlac, Tactical Operations Group (TOG3) of Philippine Air Force, Philippine National Police (PNP) Camiling, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Camiling, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) Camiling and Brgy. Malacampa Bantay-Bayan.

#SmartTAU #GreenandGlobal  #79thCommencement #PagpapandayatPagyabong #TAUChampions #InclusiveandResilientfuture #20242025 #SenatorJoel #TESDAMAN #CEd #CET #CAF #SDG4 #SDG17

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