TSU, Archipelago Education Consultancy Formalize Partnership

Following the exploratory meeting in January 2025, Tarlac State University (TSU) and Archipelago Education Consultancy (AEC) officially entered into a partnership agreement to launch the initially planned collaborative activities. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on May 2, 2025, at the TSU Main Campus.

The partnership includes scholarship opportunities for students from TSU’s College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), College of Science (COS), and College of Architecture and Fine Arts (CAFA) through AEC’s Archipelago Semester Abroad Program (ASAP), in collaboration with Lakeland University Japan (LUJ). Faculty mobility initiatives for members of CASS, COS, and CAFA are also part of the collaboration.

“This MOU signing signifies that the international community is gradually recognizing TSU on the global stage. Thank you, OIAL, for your efforts in bringing TSU a step closer to becoming a globally recognized university,” said TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco.

“What TSU is doing now is a true commitment to its students,” said AEC CEO Mr. Dominic Archer. “It doesn’t matter where you are—you deserve the best opportunities. AEC is here to help you reach them,” he added, addressing the students who witnessed the MOU signing.

Both institutions expressed their strong commitment to upholding the terms of the agreement and shared a mutual hope that this initial collaboration will not be the last but will continue to flourish in the years to come.

After the MOU signing, students from the Department of Communication under CASS attended a lecture-seminar on scholarship opportunities offered by AEC. AEC CEO Mr. Dominic Archer personally discussed the full scope of the scholarship programs, emphasizing the chance for students to study at Lakeland University Japan through the Archipelago Semester Abroad Program.

The same lecture-seminar was conducted in the afternoon at the 5th floor of the TSU Hotel, Villa Lucinda Campus, attended by students from the College of Science—specifically those taking up BS in Environmental Science and BS in Mathematics—as well as students from the College of Architecture and Fine Arts. The sessions provided students with a deeper understanding of the international study opportunities available to them through this partnership.

Also present at the event were TSU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Agnes M. Macaraeg; Director of the Office of International Affairs and Linkages, Dr. Grace N. Rosete; CASS Dean Dr. Aloysis T. Madriaga; COS Dean Dr. Mary Jane N. Rigor; and CAFA Dean Ar. Marco F. Bildan.