Extension GenEd
Project Aytalakad Ing Lahi and OUES VMD Hold Volunteerism 101 Orientation
Project Aytalakad Ing Lahi, in partnership with the Office of University Extension Services (OUES) Department of Volunteerism Management, and in collaboration with the Department of Communication and the TSU Communicators’ Guild, conducted Volunteerism 101: Orientation on Culturally Relevant Media and Project Overview on October 7, 2025, at the Theater Room, CASS Smith Hall, TSU Main Campus.
The program opened with remarks from Associate Dean Dr. Raffy S. Aganon on behalf of Dr. BrendalynA. Manzano. He reminded students that communication is not only about creating content but about listening, connecting, and giving voice to the unheard. He emphasized that volunteerism is rooted in sincerity, cultural respect, and meaningful service.
The orientation, facilitated by Dr. Francelle L. Calub, featured an overview of Project Aytalakad Ing Lahi, Volunteerism 101 and Ethical Volunteer Work, and an introduction to culturally relevant media. Dr. Calub explained that the project name comes from the Kapampangan word “italalad,” meaning “to raise” or “build up,” combined with “Ayta,” symbolizing solidarity with the Ayta Mag-Anchi community.
The session emphasized responsible volunteerism guided by the Volunteer Act and TSU Volunteer Core Values—Integrity, Respect, Humility, Confidentiality, and Accountability. Students were encouraged to use their communication skills in documentation, storytelling, and creative media as tools for cultural preservation and community development.
The activity strengthened students’ commitment to ethical service, cultural grounding, and purposeful volunteer engagement.
General Education Faculty Conduct Outreach Program in Amor Village, Anao, Tarlac
The General Education Faculty successfully conducted a meaningful outreach program at an orphanage located in Amor Village, bringing hope, joy, and support to children and adults under its care. The initiative aimed to extend compassion beyond the classroom and strengthen the institution’s commitment to community service and social responsibility.
The outreach program was led by dedicated faculty members, including Dr. Raffy S. Aganon, Assistant Professor Louella P. Capitulo, and Prof. Juvy V. Galamay. Their presence and active participation reflected the faculty’s shared mission of making a positive impact on marginalized communities, particularly those in orphanages who benefit greatly from support, encouragement, and care.
The activity took place in Anao, Tarlac, where faculty members engaged with the beneficiaries through various interactive and meaningful activities. These included educational sessions, storytelling, games, and the distribution of essential supplies and donations. The children actively participated in the activities, showing enthusiasm and excitement, while the adults expressed gratitude for the time, attention, and assistance provided by the visitors.
Dr. Aganon emphasized the importance of outreach programs in fostering empathy, compassion, and civic engagement among educators and the academic community. He shared that extending help to orphanages not only addresses material needs but also provides emotional encouragement to individuals who may feel isolated or forgotten.
Assistant Professor Capitulo highlighted that the outreach program served as an opportunity to connect with the beneficiaries on a personal level. Through conversations and shared experiences, the faculty were able to understand the challenges faced by the orphanage residents while offering encouragement and inspiration.
Prof. Galamay also expressed that outreach programs play a vital role in promoting social awareness and responsibility. She noted that educators have a significant role not only in shaping minds but also in shaping compassionate and socially responsible communities.
The program fostered a sense of unity, kindness, and hope among everyone involved. The beneficiaries felt valued and remembered, while the faculty members experienced fulfillment in serving others. The smiles, laughter, and heartfelt interactions throughout the day reflected the true spirit of service and humanity.
This outreach initiative stands as a testament to the General Education Faculty’s dedication to community involvement and their commitment to uplifting lives beyond academic instruction. Through acts of kindness and service, they demonstrated that education extends beyond the classroom and into the heart of the community.
In conclusion, the outreach program at Amor Village was not only an act of giving but also an act of sharing hope, compassion, and humanity. Such initiatives continue to inspire both educators and beneficiaries, reinforcing the importance of unity, empathy, and service in building a better and more caring society.
August 22, 2024 — In a bid to equip the next generation with the skills necessary for the workforce, the Pag-Asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP) successfully conducted its much-anticipated seminar titled "Youth on the Rise: A Seminar on Youth Work Readiness." The event took place at the Tarlac Capitol Center, Roof Deck Function Hall 3, San Vicente, Tarlac City, drawing over 36 young participants eager to prepare themselves for the challenges of the professional world.
The seminar featured a series of interactive activities and keynote speeches led by Asst. Prof. Bryan Jan S. Dizon. Topics covered included resume writing, interview techniques, personal branding, financial literacy, and career planning. The sessions were designed not only to impart knowledge but also to build confidence and motivate the youth to take proactive steps in their career journeys.
The event concluded with enthusiasm and optimism among the participants were palpable. Many expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to learn and grow and left the event feeling more confident and ready to take on the challenges of the job market.
Inclusive Queeries: Empowerment, SOGIE, and HIV Awareness
Featuring Atty. Ruby Rose P. Vinluan
In an era where diversity and inclusion continue to shape conversations across institutions and communities, the event Inclusive Queeries: Empowerment, SOGIE, and HIV Awareness stands as a meaningful initiative toward education, empowerment, and equality. With distinguished speaker Atty. Ruby Rose P. Vinluan, the event provided a platform to deepen understanding of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE), promote HIV awareness, and encourage collective action in creating safer and more inclusive spaces for all.
The program aimed to highlight the importance of recognizing and respecting individual identities while addressing the persistent challenges faced by members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Through education and dialogue, Inclusive Queeries emphasized that empowerment begins with awareness—awareness of rights, awareness of health, and awareness of the value of inclusivity.
Atty. Vinluan opened the discussion by explaining the concept of SOGIE, clarifying that sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression are fundamental aspects of human identity. She stressed that understanding SOGIE is essential in breaking stereotypes and eliminating discrimination. According to her, misconceptions often stem from lack of education, which can lead to prejudice, exclusion, and unequal treatment. By educating communities about SOGIE, individuals can foster empathy, respect, and acceptance.
The speaker also emphasized the importance of empowerment through knowledge. She highlighted that empowerment is not only about personal confidence but also about knowing one’s rights and being able to advocate for oneself and others. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community often face barriers in education, employment, healthcare, and social acceptance. However, through awareness and legal literacy, individuals can challenge discrimination and contribute to building inclusive environments.
Another critical component of the discussion was HIV awareness. Atty. Vinluan addressed the ongoing need to remove stigma surrounding HIV and emphasized that HIV is a health condition—not a moral judgment. She explained that stigma and misinformation often discourage people from seeking testing, treatment, and support. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and increased risk of transmission.
She highlighted the importance of HIV education, prevention, and access to healthcare services. Prevention methods, including safe practices, regular testing, and proper treatment, play a crucial role in reducing the spread of HIV. Furthermore, individuals living with HIV can live long, healthy, and productive lives with proper medical care and support. She stressed that compassion, not discrimination, should guide society’s response to HIV.
Atty. Vinluan also underscored the role of institutions, schools, and organizations in promoting inclusive policies. She encouraged leaders and community members to create safe spaces where individuals feel respected and valued regardless of their identity. Inclusivity, she noted, is not merely a concept but a responsibility that requires action, education, and commitment.
The event also served as a reminder that empowerment is a shared responsibility. Allies play an essential role in supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals by promoting respect, challenging discriminatory behavior, and advocating for equal rights. Inclusion benefits not only individuals but also strengthens communities by fostering diversity, innovation, and unity.
Participants of the event gained valuable insights into the importance of SOGIE awareness and HIV education. The discussion helped break down misconceptions, encouraged open dialogue, and reinforced the importance of empathy and understanding. More importantly, it empowered attendees to become advocates for inclusivity and awareness within their own communities.
Inclusive Queeries stands as a testament to the power of education in driving social change. Through the leadership and expertise of Atty. Ruby Rose P. Vinluan, the event successfully inspired participants to embrace diversity, promote awareness, and contribute to building a more inclusive and compassionate society.
In conclusion, empowerment begins with awareness, and awareness begins with education. By understanding SOGIE, promoting HIV awareness, and advocating for inclusivity, individuals and communities can work together to create a future where everyone is respected, valued, and empowered. Events like Inclusive Queeries serve as important steps toward achieving equality, dignity, and acceptance for all.
Tarlac State University, through the College of Arts and Social Sciences, College of Science, and College of Education successfully completed an extensive service project titled “𝗔 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲: 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆.” The activity, which ran from August 12, 2024 to December 6, 2024, aimed to provide quality education by offering courses taught by faculty volunteers from TSU.
OLPCS, a private sectarian school specializing in Philosophy, served as the partner-beneficiary of TSU’s extension services. As a non-profit Catholic educational institution, OLPCS is dedicated to spiritually uplifting and educating students interested in pursuing a priestly vocation. The school operates through the support of sponsors and the dedication of volunteers.
Dr. Agnes M. Macaraeg, the Vice President for Academic Affairs at TSU, delivered a lecture on the course “Readings in Philippine History.” Meanwhile, Dr. Aloysius T. Madriaga, the Dean of TSU’s College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), provided a lecture on “Logic (Symbolic).”
