TSU-OIAL Brings Global Academic Partners Together for 120th Anniversary Celebration

In celebration of its 120th Founding Anniversary and 37th Universityhood, Tarlac State University (TSU), through the Office of International Affairs and Linkages (OIAL), conducted an international webinar on October 16, 2026, bringing together international academic partners to promote knowledge exchange, strengthen institutional collaboration, and advance academic excellence in higher education.

TSU-OIAL's Project ICSS (International Collaboration and Seminar Series) - a platform for sharing academic practices, enhancing professional competencies, and promoting meaningful partnerships - featured two international speakers from partner institutions: Nghe An University in Vietnam and Universitas PGRI Madiun in Indonesia. The webinar was conducted via Zoom Meeting for the TSU community, participating academic partners, and stakeholders.

During the opening program, Dr. Brendalyn A. Manzano, Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivered the welcome remarks, emphasizing the value of international academic engagements in enriching the university’s teaching and learning environment.

“Global collaboration opens opportunities for our academic community to learn from diverse perspectives, exchange best practices, and strengthen our commitment to quality education. Through initiatives such as Project ICSS, we continue to build meaningful partnerships that contribute to the professional growth of our faculty and the advancement of higher education,” Dr. Manzano said.

The webinar featured two sessions addressing essential competencies in higher education. Prof. Hung Nguyen Viet of Nghe An University, Vietnam, discussed “Assessment in Higher Education: Principles, Practices, and Emerging Directions,” focusing on assessment approaches and emerging practices relevant to academic instruction and quality assurance.

Meanwhile, Dr. Frita Pinandhita, M.PD, of the English Language Department of Universitas PGRI Madiun, Indonesia, presented “Public Speaking and Academic Presentations,” highlighting the importance of effective oral communication and presentation skills in academic and professional settings.

The discussions provided opportunities for participants to gain insights into contemporary approaches to higher education assessment, strengthen their communication competencies, and explore practices that can be adapted to their respective academic and professional contexts.

The program concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Ninez B. Tulo, Director of the TSU Office of International Affairs and Linkages, who highlighted the significance of sustaining the connections established through international academic activities.

“Project ICSS demonstrates how international academic engagement can bring institutions together through shared learning and collaboration. We hope that the insights gained from this webinar will inspire our participants to apply new knowledge in their respective fields and encourage stronger partnerships that will continue beyond this activity,” Dr. Tulo said.

As TSU celebrates its milestones, the university continues to pursue international partnerships that contribute to its mission of delivering quality higher education and preparing its academic community to engage meaningfully in the global arena.