Tarlac State University (TSU) formalized its commitment to refugee education by signing a Memorandum of Agreement alongside six other universities to establish Pathway Pilipinas, a non-profit alliance dedicated to providing educational access to refugees and stateless persons. The signing ceremony took place at De La Salle Philippines on March 25, 2025.
The founding members of Pathway Pilipinas include Columban College Inc. (CCI), De La Salle Brothers Inc. (DLSBI), De La Salle Araneta University (DLSAU), San Beda University (SBU), Saint Louis University (SLU), University of St. La Salle (USLS), and TSU—the only state university in the alliance.
The agreement outlines the commitment of member institutions to work collaboratively in offering scholarship grants and other essential resources that support the academic success of Rohingya refugees and stateless individuals. This initiative is part of the Complementary Pathways Program of the Department of Justice-Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit (DOJ-RSPPU) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
During the event, Atty. Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo, Head of UNHCR Philippines, personally expressed her gratitude to what she called the Magic 7—the founding institutions of Pathway Pilipinas—for taking on the challenge of supporting refugee education. She commended the alliance, stating, “I am truly amazed that the Filipino tradition of bayanihan is still alive, extending beyond borders and reaching those in need, regardless of nationality.”
Representing TSU at the event were Office of International Affairs and Linkages (OIAL) Director Dr. Grace N. Rosete, along with OIAL department heads, staff, and three TSU Rohingya scholars.
