Center for Community and Local Governance Studies and Policy Development

𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 |

Beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Anao, Tarlac gathered on April 23, 2026, at the Old Sangguniang Bayan Hall for a preventive seminar titled “Positibong Pag-didisiplina at Pag-unawa sa Makabagong Henerasyon.”

Facilitated by Dr. Niña G. Valentin, the seminar guided parents in raising children in today’s fast-changing digital world. Participants explored the value of connection before correction, mutual respect, and firm yet kind communication—approaches that build long-term character rather than relying on fear or punishment. The session also addressed the realities of modern youth. Interactive activities, including the Pause Plan, Trigger Tracker, and Commitment Card, encouraged parents to reflect on their reactions and commit to one positive parenting strategy to practice at home.

The activity is part of the CARE Program under the Center for Community and Local Governance Studies and Policy Development, in partnership with the CASS Psychology and Human Services Department—a collaborative effort to strengthen Filipino families through community-based learning and preventive interventions.

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓-𝐔𝐏 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 |

Child Development Workers (CDWs) from Pura and Ramos gathered on April 22, 2026, for a one-day training under Project START UP (Sustainable Training Assistance and Revitalized Teaching Upskilling Performance), aimed at enhancing their personal and professional competencies in early childhood care. The session was led by Dr. Marie Paz H. Angeles, a practicing psychologist and Psychology professor at Tarlac State University.

During the morning session, Dr. Angeles discussed Professional Growth and Self-Improvement, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and self-awareness in the teaching profession. She emphasized self-love as the foundation of effective service, encouraging CDWs to value their well-being as they care for others. She also stressed the importance of mindfulness, stress management, and emotional balance in daily work.

In the afternoon session, the focus shifted to Ethics and Professionalism in child development work. Dr. Angeles discussed the core values and ethical standards expected of CDWs, including integrity, accountability, and respect. She emphasized the importance of maintaining professional boundaries, especially when dealing with children and families, and adhering to policies that safeguard the welfare of learners.

The training comprised a mix of digital learning through videos, interactive discussions, individual and group activities, and self-reflection exercises.

𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 |

On April 22, 2026, a Trauma-Informed Care session for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) in the municipality was conducted under the CARE Program of the Center for Community and Local Governance Studies and Policy Development (CCLGSPD), in partnership with the CASS Psychology and Human Services Department

This session marks the first of six planned monthly sessions, reflecting a sustained and structured commitment to the rehabilitation and mental health support of CICL in the municipality. The succeeding sessions will be conducted once a month, ensuring continuity of care and a consistent support system for the participants over the course of the program.

The session took the form of a counseling activity designed to provide a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space for CICL to openly process their experiences.

During the first session, the facilitators began with an orientation for the children, introducing them to the program, its objectives, and what they could expect from the succeeding sessions. This was followed by an engagement activity that helped ease the participants into the process, encouraging openness and building a foundation of trust between the children and their facilitators.

The counseling session was facilitated by Dr. Nina Valentin and Ms. Angela Christine V. Pangilinan, whose expertise and sensitivity ensured that each participant was met with care, respect, and professional guidance throughout the activity.

𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 |

The CCLGSPD, in partnership with the CASS Psychology and Human Services Department, conducted a Solo Parent Seminar on April 22, 2026, at the Old Session Hall in Anao, Tarlac. The activity was held under the CARE Program and served as part of the municipality's local celebration of Solo Parent Week.

The seminar brought together solo parents from across the municipality for a day dedicated to healing, empowerment, and community, reflecting the local government's commitment to the welfare of one of society's most resilient groups.

The event was attended by key local government officials who each extended their support and solidarity with the participants. Municipal Mayor Hon. Gian Pierre O. De Dios, Municipal Vice Mayor Hon. Concepcion C. Almazan, and Councilor Hon. Perlita B. Cajulao each delivered brief but meaningful messages to the audience, focusing their remarks on the bravery and strength of solo parents.

The remaining members of the Sangguniang Bayan were also present, including Hon. Arnel S. Oliveros, Hon. Nathan Angelo Macayanan, Hon. Wilmar J. Tabile, Hon. Carlito B. Santos, Hon. Edgar S. Felipe, and Hon. Joel I. Dela Cruz. Also in attendance were ABC President Hon. Manny T. Lapurga and SK Federation President Hon. Syrus T. Tolentino.

The centerpiece of the program was a lecture delivered by Dr. Grace Anne Hasegawa, a faculty member of the Psychology and Human Services Department. Her talk addressed the mental and emotional challenges unique to solo parents, offering both practical tools and heartfelt encouragement.

Dr. Hasegawa opened her session with a focus on self-care, emphasizing that self-care is not an act of selfishness but a necessity — especially for parents raising children on their own. She led participants through a stress assessment, asking them to rate their current stress levels and identify the root causes of stress in their daily lives.

One of the most impactful portions of the session was a reflective activity in which participants were asked to write their problems on a glove — an exercise designed to help them confront and externalize personal burdens in a safe and supportive environment.

Dr. Hasegawa further discussed mental health awareness and the importance of understanding one's own emotions. She also introduced participants to calming techniques such as box breathing and grounding exercises. She concluded with topics on building deeper connections with children and practicing self-love, and closed with a self-affirmations activity that invited each participant to recognize and celebrate their own inner strength.

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐫. 𝐉𝐨𝐧-𝐉𝐨𝐧 𝐑. 𝐃𝐮𝐪𝐮𝐞!

The Center for Community and Local Governance Studies and Policy Development warmly extends its heartfelt birthday greetings to Mr. Jon-Jon R. Duque.

May your special day be filled with joy and appreciation, and may the year ahead bring you continued good health, success, and fulfillment. Happy birthday!

𝐂𝐂𝐋𝐆𝐒𝐏𝐃, 𝐂𝐂𝐒 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐀𝐩𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐭

The Center for Community and Local Governance Studies and Policy Development (CCLGSPD) and College of Computer Studies (CCS) presented an information management system application to Barangay Sinait last April 7, 2026 at Sinait Session Hall.

The said application will enhance the barangay’s data processing and document filing. This will digitize the barangay’s data, including residents’ demographics, businesses, blotter reports, and other pertinent documents.

Aside from being a database application, the app serves as an additional aid to clerical work, generating printable barangay forms such as barangay clearance, business registration, blotter forms, first-time job-seeker forms, and other essential barangay certifications.

Mr. Rengel Corpuz, CCS Faculty member, demonstrated how the application works, how to add residents, and generate printable forms.

Brgy. Sinait Chairman Hon. Catalino P. Tonelada III expressed his excitement about the development of the app. “Ayos ‘to. ‘Pag forwarded na ang excel, nasa amin na ang bola,” he said during some clarifications on the encoding of existing barangay data to the app. The chairman also mentioned that a dedicated computer will be procured to fully utilize the app.

The discussion centered on the app capabilities, system requirements, and suggestions solicitation for future improvements.

Present in the said gathering are Mr. Corpuz, Ms. Xylyn Joy Abrajano, Asst. Prof. Carlos Flores, Jr., Asst. Prof. Ronnie Mercado, Ms. Ronalyn Domingo, and Ms. Carlyn Nono, the app development team, along with CCLGSPD staff and Brgy. Sinait Councilor Mr. Jon-jon Duque, Innovation and Knowledge Development Department Head Mr. John Lanuzo.

This initiative is under the Aksyon Kaagapay Ang Pamahalaan (AKAP) Program, a long-term project of CCLGSPD for Brgy. Sinait.

𝐆.𝐀.𝐁.𝐀.𝐘. 𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐔𝐂𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐎, 𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐀𝐂

The Center for Community and Local Governance Studies and Policy Development (CCLGSPD) of Tarlac State University, in collaboration with the College of Arts and Social Sciences – Psychology and Human Services Department successfully conducted the G.A.B.A.Y. Orientation held on April 7, 2026 at the Municipal Covered Court, Anao, Tarlac.

This orientation is a flagship activity of the CARE Program (Consultancy and Research in Localizing Child Protection Policy), an initiative anchored under the CCLGSPD that seeks to localize child protection policies at the community level.

The program commenced with opening remarks delivered by Dr. Cynthia G. Quiambao, who expressed her appreciation that the provision of psychosocial intervention in the municipality has finally been implemented. She also extended her gratitude to all the individuals and stakeholders whose efforts made the initiative possible. This was followed by inspirational messages from the esteemed local officials of the Municipality of Anao, namely: Municipal Mayor Hon. Gian Pierre O. De Dios, Municipal Vice Mayor Hon. Concepcion C. Almazan, and ABC President Hon. Manny T. Lapurga. All of whom conveyed their heartfelt gratitude and enthusiasm, emphasizing that they are honored and privileged to have the Municipality of Anao selected as a beneficiary of the CARE Program. They further pledged the full support of the local government unit and encouraged the active participation of all community members in sustaining child protection efforts at the grassroots level.

The program was enriched by a series of carefully designed activities and presentations. An ice breaker facilitated by Dr. Grace Anne C. Hasegawa and Ms. Maria Mei Fatima S. Terania fostered a welcoming and participatory atmosphere among the attendees. Ground rules were clearly presented by Ms. Mary Joy R. Facun to ensure a respectful and productive exchange throughout the day.

A comprehensive introduction of the G.A.B.A.Y. was delivered by Dr. Editha Q. Villavicencio, providing participants with a clear understanding of the program's framework, objectives, and expected outcomes. This was followed by the introduction of the faculty experts by Dr. Jazmin Joy E. Dizon, who presented the academic team that will serve as resource persons and mentors throughout the program's implementation.

An open Q&A/Forum moderated by Dr. Marie Paz H. Angeles provided an invaluable platform for community members to raise questions, share their concerns, and engage in substantive dialogue regarding mental health and psychosocial issues in their locality. The forum demonstrated the eagerness of the community to learn and actively contribute to creating a safer environment for children.

The orientation was formally closed with a message delivered by Ms. Maricar C. Butay, who expressed appreciation for the participation and commitment shown by all in attendance.

Dr. Arnold Velasco led Tarlac State University with purpose and heart. As his term comes to a close, the Center for Community and Local Governance Studies and Policy Development (CCLGSPD) looks back with deep gratitude for the support and guidance he extended throughout his presidency.

With his departure, we reflect not with sadness, but with pride and gratitude. Under his watch, the CCLGSPD found its footing, strengthened its voice, and deepened its commitment to the communities it serves. His belief in the power of governance research and community engagement gave our work a greater sense of purpose and direction.

He led not from a distance, but with presence — supporting initiatives, trusting his people, and reminding us that a university's true measure lies in the lives it touches beyond its gates.

That lesson will stay with us.

Dr. Velasco, you have left this Center — and this University — better than you found it. For that, we are endlessly grateful. May the next chapter of your journey be as fulfilling as the legacy you leave behind.

𝐓𝐒𝐔-𝐂𝐂𝐋𝐆𝐒𝐏𝐃 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐳 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐌𝐎𝐀 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓+

Tarlac State University (TSU), through the Center for Community and Local Governance Studies and Policy Development (CCLGSPD), signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Municipality of La Paz on March 26, 2026, at the Pagbabago Hall, Macabulos Park, La Paz, Tarlac. The event marked the formal entry of La Paz into Project START+: Advancing Capacity of Child Development Workers Across All Municipalities, reinforcing TSU's commitment to community extension and its mandate to deliver meaningful public service across the province.

Project START+ is a long-term extension and research initiative designed to sustain and enhance the competencies of Child Development Workers (CDWs) across Tarlac Province. Building on the success of Project START, it expands support through structured training and policy advocacy to promote CDWs’ welfare and professional growth.

The ceremonial signing was attended by key officials from both institutions. Representing TSU were Atty. Brigido B. Corpuz, Presidential Assistant, on behalf of University President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco; Engr. Emir S.F. Sicangco, Director of the Office of the University Extension Services, on behalf of Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Atty. Wilmark J. Ramos; and CCLGSPD Director Dr. Cynthia G. Quiambao, along with Department Heads Ms. Vien Jamaica D. Samson and Mr. John H. Lanuzo. The Municipality of La Paz was represented by Municipal Mayor Hon. Venustiano D. Jordan and MSWD Officer Ms. Eunice Dominique R. Ocampo-Driz.

The program opened with the delivery of opening remarks by Dr. Cynthia G. Quiambao, Director of CCLGSPD and Project Overall Head. She highlighted the importance of university-LGU partnerships in advancing the welfare of CDWs and the communities they serve. She also extended her gratitude to Mayor Jordan and the local government for their support, emphasizing that the success of Project START+ rests on the collective commitment of both the university and its LGU partners.

Ms. Vien Jamaica D. Samson, Department Head of CCLGSPD, then presented the background of the project, covering its origins and rationale, and Mr. John H. Lanuzo, Department Head of CCLGSPD, followed with a presentation of the project objectives, which include expanding CDW training opportunities, supporting children with special needs, assisting in the development of local ordinances for CDW welfare, and achieving high satisfaction ratings for CDW services.

Atty. Brigido B. Corpuz and La Paz Mayor, Hon. Venustiano D. Jordan also delivered their statement of commitment, expressing institutional support and the LGU’s active involvement to ensure the project's successful and sustainable implementation.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Engr. Emir S.F. Sicangco, who highlighted the project’s importance for the children of La Paz and encouraged continued collaboration. He expressed confidence that Project START+ will be a lasting contribution to early childhood education in the municipality.

𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐤𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐢 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐜 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 |

The Kinabaknang ti Mayantoc Project Committee held a virtual meeting via Zoom on March 24, 2026, with the Mayantoc Tourism Office, headed by Ms. Aura Louella Agustin, to discuss the latest updates on the project and align on the implementation of upcoming activities.

The meeting was spearheaded by Dr. Cynthia G. Quiambao, CCLGSPD Director, who led the discussion on plans and strategies for the next phase of activities, including the conduct of community awareness profiling.

Also present during the meeting were committee members Ms. Vien Jamaica D. Samson, Dr. Izelle F. Gabion, and Mr. Bryan Jan S. Dizon, who joined in the collaborative exchange of ideas to move the project forward.

The Kinabaknang ti Mayantoc Project remains committed to working closely with the local government and tourism office of Mayantoc in delivering meaningful and community-centered initiatives.

𝐓𝐒𝐔 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐂𝐋𝐆𝐒𝐏𝐃 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬' 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬

Tarlac State University , through the Center for Community and Local Governance Studies and Policy Development (CCLGSPD), formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Municipality of Bamban on March 19, 2026, at the Sangguniang Bayan Session Hall, LGU Bamban, Tarlac. The signing marks the beginning of Project START+: Advancing Capacity of Child Development Workers Across All Municipalities — a long-term extension and research initiative aimed at sustaining the skills and elevating the competencies of Child Development Workers (CDWs) across Tarlac Province, while extending support for their continuing education and professional growth.

The MOA signing formalized a shared commitment between TSU and LGU-Bamban to deliver a structured series of capacity development training programs that address priority competency gaps among CDWs. The partnership is set to run until December 2028, with implementation expected to begin by April 2026.

The ceremony opened with remarks from Dr. Cynthia G. Quiambao, Director of CCLGSPD and Project Overall Head, who set the tone for the event by underscoring the importance of the partnership and the university's long-standing commitment to community empowerment through early childhood education. Following the opening remarks, Mr. John H. Lanuzo, Department Head of CCLGSPD for Community Empowerment and Advocacy and Innovation and Knowledge Development, presented the objectives of Project START+, walking attendees through the initiative's goals, expected outcomes, and the structured approach that will guide its implementation in Bamban.

The event was attended by key officials from both institutions. Representing TSU were Atty. Brigido B. Corpuz, Presidential Assistant, who stood in on behalf of University President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco, alongside Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Atty. Wilmark J. Ramos. The Municipality of Bamban was represented by its Municipal Mayor, Hon. Jose M. Salting Jr., and MSWDO Head Ms. Cherry Rose Guese.

Project START+ is the expansion of TSU's highly recognized
Project START (Sustainable Training Assistance and Revitalized Teaching), which previously partnered with eight municipalities in the province — Anao, Gerona, Moncada, Paniqui, Pura, Ramos, San Manuel, and Victoria.

Hon. Jose M. Salting Jr., Mayor of Bamban, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Tarlac State University for extending the initiative to their municipality, recognizing the vital role that CDWs play in the lives of Bamban's youngest citizens and affirming his full support in addressing challenges in early childhood education and community development.

Atty. Wilmark J. Ramos, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, delivered the closing remarks, describing the occasion as "one of the historical events" in TSU's extension journey. He highlighted the significance of the signing having taken place during Women's Month — a meaningful backdrop, as the majority of Child Development Workers and social workers who anchor the frontlines of childcare are women, embodying the very spirit of empowerment and community service that the project seeks to advance.

𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 |

On March 13, 2026, CCLGSPD in collaboration with the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) Psychology Department, conducted a meeting with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Pura to discuss the implementation of the CARE Project.

The meeting began with Dr. Jazmin Joy Dizon, Department Head of Psychology and Human Services, who provided an overview of the services offered by the Psychology Department. She highlighted the department’s commitment to community engagement, particularly in delivering mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) initiatives.

Following the presentation, representatives from both institutions engaged in a thorough discussion regarding the current cases and pressing needs of the municipality related to mental health and psychosocial support. The dialogue allowed both parties to better understand the existing gaps and challenges faced by the community.

Ms. Analiza Campo, MSWDO of Pura, also shared insights on other issues affecting the municipality, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing these concerns holistically.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on possible interventions and preventive measures. Among the proposed initiatives were the conduct of seminars and community-based programs aimed at raising awareness, strengthening mental health support systems, and equipping residents with coping strategies.