Opening Story

The Power of Dream

Dream. Don’t be afraid to dream too high, because of dreams action will occur.

I am a little girl who had never felt what it was like on an airplane. Maybe for some people, it is a very common thing. But not for me. Incidentally, I have a few targets towards the end of 2017, one of which is a plane ride free with achievement. I just write whatever I want without thinking about how it can happen.

A few months before 2017 ended, I found a broadcast in WhatsApp group force regarding PPL in Southeast Asia, with some details of the requirements to become participants. I only read it once and not thinking whether I could or not to follow it. Obviously, I just convince myself that I should try and run for the selected by the Padang State University.

After receiving the blessing of the parents, through the selection smoothly and take care of my arrival with great enthusiasm, finally, God answered one of my year-end targets in early 2018. It really becomes an atom bomb to blow up my spirit that ever faded some time ever. A young girl for the first time on a plane to fly overseas to become one of the cultural ambassador, tourism ambassador and education ambassador abroad. It's very interesting for me.

To take care of this departure is also not easy for me. I have to commute Bukittinggi Padang at least 2-3 times in a week because I was in college at the branch campus located in Bukittingi, while the central campus is in Padang. But for the sake of a great dream, there's nothing that can beat my spirit at that time.

First Flight to The Foreign
The Philippines, I'm coming

My first flights will begin. Precisely on January 20th, 2018. Touched, happiness and excitement mixed together. That day God will realize a big dream of a young girl. No kidding, I was given the responsibility to carry out fieldwork in the other country. The country with cultures and languages that are clearly different from Indonesia.

That morning I was escorted by the family to the airport. The journey from home to the airport takes about 2 hours. I just spend the time to sleep, because the day before departure I did not sleep more than 24 hours.

I departed from Minangkabau International Airport at 08.00 am and transit in Kuala Lumpur at 10:00 am until 21:00 pm, then resume flights to Ninoy Aquino, Manila. For me, this is really a spectacular trip. Being in the country for the first time is an incredible experience. I really feel the magic of a dream.

I arrived in Manila around 1 am, on January 21th, 2018. Upon completion of all administrations, I headed for the airport exit. I've been waiting outside by two men who hold the nameplate with my name and my friend's name on it. Having met and exchanged pleasantries, it turns out their name is William and Von. They immediately picked up all my luggage and Feni toward a waiting car in the airport parking lot.

Our road trip begins. I did not much know the way because I only spend the time to sleep. After some time I was waked by William while in front of a fast food restaurant of Philippines. It's named Jollibee. William says this is the most well-known fast food in the Philippines. Indeed, I immediately went down and ordered food. I tried to try to adjust my tongue taste because it is rather different from those in Indonesia. But it was not a big problem. I still enjoy the food until they run out. And after the meal, we resumed the trip to Tarlac Province where the university that will accept me to be, Tarlac Agricultural University.

My Lazy and Relax Day
January 21th, 2018 in Tarlac Agricultural University

The trip from Manila to Tarlac was quite far. We departed from Manila around 1:30 am on January 21th, 2018, and arrived at the hostel after Subuh prayer. Wiliam and Von immediately raised my stuff and Feni's out of the car to the room. From inside the hostel, we were greeted by Ma'am Delia and delivered to the room. In the room was already some friends from Indonesia and Thailand who arrived early. I and Feni immediately introduced ourself and immediately clean up the items. After the talk, Oca a student from Jakarta invited us to choose a bed that will be occupied. Of the four empty beds were still available, I finally decided to take a place upstairs of the bed. Incidentally, Hostel has some double mattress.

After performing the ritual cleaning and morning prayers, I decided to go back to sleep because very tired after such a long journey. Moreover, other friends also continue her interrupted because of my arrival and Feni.

The first day in Tarlac was not so busy. In fact, I could wake up at 10 am. My friends had been busy cleaning up and clean the room because Ms. Michelle one of our coordinators in Hostel invites us to shop after 13:00 pm to SM Mall, supermarkets in Tarlac province. I immediately got out of bed and get on with the clean-up activities as well. All had to be done early because we had to take to queue for the shower and toilet. But it was not a big problem. Because I think if the hostel is very comfortable and clean.

Awaited time had arrived. Around 14:00 pm, the campus bus already waiting for us in front of the hostel. Eleven students, including two men, went to the SM mall, was accompanied by Ms. Michelle and Nanay (Mother calls in the Philippines). We look for some things, but there's not much we bought, we think to save our money because we still have a long time to stay here. Me and my friends just to buy groceries and snack potluck for the next few days. After that Ms. Michelle took us back bus to go back to the hostel.

Campus Recipient

Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU)

History of TAU

The Tarlac College of Agriculture was established in 1944 as Camiling Boys/Girls High School. It started with 368 students, 13 faculty members, and a school principal. But it stopped operation in December 1944 and resumed after the Liberation as Tarlac High School, Camiling Branch. The reopening of the school was a response to the clamor of parents whose children stopped schooling during the war years and the difficulty of traveling from Camiling to Tarlac.

On July 6, 1945, Municipal Resolution No. 34 created the Camiling Vocational Agriculture School (CVAS) replacing Tarlac High School, Camiling Branch. That it focused on vocational agriculture was considered a means to hasten the economic recovery of the town from the ravages of the war. CVAS had 534 students and 13 faculties. From 1945 to 1948, the school offered two curricula – the general academic to enable the former students to graduate and the agriculture curriculum for the first year and second year. On September 26, 1946, the school was renamed Camiling Rural High School (CRHS). In 1948, the general curriculum was phased out.

Early in 1952, the Director of Public Schools served notices that the school should be relocated to a permanent site and increase the declining enrollment. Otherwise, it might be closed or transferred to another town. The most conducive to an agricultural school’s expansion was found in Malacampa, a barangay seven kilometers away from the town proper. In June 1953, the school with 155 students and eight faculties moved to the new site. Classrooms and offices were made of bamboos and nipa in the “middle of a wilderness.” Funds from FOA-PHILCUSA later came and permanent buildings replaced the bamboo structures.

TCA facade (Camiling, Tarlac)

Expansion and development were accelerated when CRHS was converted to Tarlac National Agricultural School (TNAS) in 1957, under a Superintendent. It became a policy to make all projects profitable – piggery, poultry, goat, and vegetables. Linkaging for research started from pork barrel funds. In 1961, the two-year technical agriculture post-secondary course was opened and in 1963, the Health Center was built out of funds from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes. By that time, TNAS already had a school hymn and a student publication, “The Carabao.”

In 1965, TNAS and Tarlac School of Arts and Trades (TSAT) were merged to become the Tarlac College of Technology. TNAS became TCT-College of Agriculture (TCT-CA) while TSAT became the Tarlac College of Technology – College of Arts and Trades (TCT-CAT) by virtue of RA 4337. As TCT-CA, it offered three-degree programs: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education major in Elementary Agriculture or Home Economics (BSE); Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA) major in Crop Science/Animal Science; and Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering (BSAEng’g). Government programs related to agriculture, especially after the declaration of Martial Law in 1972 gave a boost to the enrollment in these courses. Graduates found immediate employment here and abroad. From all indications the school could well become autonomous.

Thus, on December 18, 1974, by virtue of PD 609 issued by President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Tarlac College of Agriculture became one of the state colleges in the country. The first College President was Mr. Jose L. Milla. During President Milla’s stewardship, the campus area was increased to 60 hectares; a forestry laboratory in Titi Calao, Mayantoc was acquired through PD 1506; Fishery was added to the existing production projects and joint researches with IRRI were undertaken. Enrollment further increased and the number of faculty and non-teaching.

The second College President was Robustiano J. Estrada. Upon his assumption, the ten-year development program and the TCA Code were prepared. There was a major reorganization in the administrative set up of the College. Two Vice-Presidents were designated: the Vice-President for Administrative and Business Affairs took care of the non-academic staff and functions, and the Vice- President for Academic Affairs was in charge of the academic programs now based in different Institutes under a Dean. There was an exodus of faculty to take graduate studies because of the promotion scheme of state universities and colleges that gave the highest point to educational attainment.

Infrastructure development was also accelerated by Estrada. Academic buildings rose to accommodate the enrollment that reached thousands and which increased every year. Twenty-one faculty cottages, the Girl’s Dorm and Boy’s Dorm, a guest house, six-door staff apartment, a research and development building, a multi-purpose building, the Administration cum library and the chapel were all constructed. The old structures were repaired and PAG-ASA established an Agro-Metrological Station. These gave a new look to the campus. By then the campus has expanded to 70 hectares, including a 4-hectare athletic oval. Research and Extension also expanded and the TCA became a byword among households in the service area. The production projects also increased, notably rice, vegetables, piggery, poultry, goat, cattle, nursery, fruit trees, seedlings and canteen service. Feliciano S. Rosete became the 3rd President of TCA when Estrada’s term expired in 1989. During the first five years of Rosete’s term, other infrastructures came about. The landmark was the Farmers’ Training Center built from the Countrywide Development Fund (CDF) of the then Senator Alberto G. Romulo. It was also during Pres. Rosete’s term that scholarships from private individuals and NGOs started pouring in, and more curricular programs were offered. Extension and Research accomplishments also multiplied.

In 2001, Philip B. Ibarra became the 4th President of TCA. His administration is noted for sustaining the gains and glories of the past while working out for more. TCA then was notable for revolutionizing its curricular offerings, computerization of enrolment and administrative system, aggressive accessing of financial and material resources, development of new leaders, and strengthening existing partnerships with local and international organizations. All these initiatives have Pushed TCA to be the Best Institution through Transparent and Caring Administration. On January 14, 2010, Max P. Guillermo, assumed the presidency of this College. He pursues a new strategic planning initiative: TCA at 2015 that outlines the formulated institutional plans, based on strategic programmatic strengths to be supported by a comprehensive development plan to make TCA an energized incubator of new ideas and center of innovation.

The second term of the president unfolds more aggressive realization of the goals of the College to pursue opportunities thru external relations such as sending OJT students abroad, faculty exchange, research paper presentations and forging partnerships with universities in Asia and the world over. More outputs and completion of programs, projects and activities will be generated through the collective efforts of the administration, faculty, and staff as well as the students and partner agencies. The incessant establishment of linkages with various sectors intensifies TCA’s presence to be more visible. TCA will brace more challenges of the ASEAN 2015 and globalization at a greater sphere.

After years of persistent hard work and months of anxious waiting, finally, the Tarlac College of Agriculture (TCA), home of agriculture-based scientific technology in Tarlac, is now Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU). Signed on May 10, 2016 by His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III, Republic Act No. 10800 formally converted TCA to TAU, making the institution as the first state college in the country to be converted into a university through the Merit Evaluation System of the Commission on Higher Education (CMO No.46,S. 2012); another first for the institution.

Introduction

What is SEA-Teacher Project?

 

The SEA Teacher Project or the “Pre-Service Student Teacher Exchange in Southeast Asia” is a project that aims to provide an opportunity for pre-service student teachers from universities in Southeast Asia to have teaching experiences (practicum) in schools in other countries in Southeast Asia. 

Based on the SEAMEO seven priority areas for the eleven SEAMEO Member countries to work together to improve the quality of education in Southeast Asia, “Revitalizing Teacher Education” is one of the priority areas in building and strengthening the capacity of teachers in the region.

The duration is for one month and based on the mechanism of cost-sharing basis. Students’ roles and responsibilities are assigned weekly during a month period (observe, assist in teaching, teach and reflect). Moreover, the host universities will provide mentors to supervise and monitor the students throughout the practicum period. As for objectives of this project as follows:

1.  To enable pre-service student teachers to develop their teaching skills and pedagogy

2.  To encourage the pre-service student teachers to practice their English skills

3.  To allow the pre-service student teachers to gain a broader regional and worldview

Tarlac Agricultural University is one of the universities that participate in SEA Teacher Project. Tarlac Agricultural University is being hosted university for 11 students which are 9 students from Indonesia and 2 students from Thailand. The students that have to major in Primary Teacher Education, English Department, Accounting education, Economics Education, Biology education, Math education.

Below is the schedule for SEA Teacher Project in TAU:

DATE	ACTIVITIES
January 19, 20, & 21	Arrival of Inbound and Departure of Outbond Mobility Students Ninoy Aquino International Airport
January 22 8 a.m. 9 a.m. 3:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.	Courtesy Call Office of the University President
	Opening Program TAU Agritourism Hostel Fucntion Hall
	Campus Tour
	Fellowship Dinner TAU Agritourism Hostel Fuction Hall
January 23	Community Tour and Courtesy Visit to Governor and Mayors
January  24 8 a.m. 2 p.m.	Basic Language and Cultural Orientation College of Education
	Orientation of Inbound Exchange Students with Cooperating Teachers/Immersion Supervisors College of Education
January 25	Deployment
January 26	Class Observations
January 27	Travel to Baguio City
January 29 – February 2	Teaching Assistance
February 3	Travel to Alaminos City
February 5 - 9	Teaching in the Classroom
February 10	Travel to Manila
February 12-14	Reflections and Report Writing
February 15 8 a.m. 6 p.m. 8 p.m.	Technology, Skills and Cooking Demonstration Home Technology Laboratory
	Closing Program and Filipino Cultural Dances TAU Agritourism Hostel Function Hall
	Farewell Dinner
February 16, 17, 18 & 19	Arrival of Outbound and Departure of Inbound Mobility Students Ninoy Aquino International Airport

 

Our Activities Begin

Opening Program 
January 22^nd, 2018

        The orientation in TAU is conducted on January 22^nd, 2018. On January 22^nd, 2018, it is presented by the director of External Linkages & International Affairs in the TAU Agritourism Hostel Function Hall. The orientation started from 2.00 p.m. to 05.00 p.m. The orientation is attended by the Director and Assistant Director of External Linkages & International Affairs, Dean, Chief of Internationalization & Mobility Department, Cooperating Teacher, Vice President for Academic Affairs and President University for sure. In that orientation, the presenter explained about the activities that student teachers will do in a month. Beside of that, she also explained about the schedule activities, introduced us to cooperating teachers, and explained about things that would be evaluated and accomplished by student teachers during this program. In that orientation, the principal explained about the curriculum which has been implementing in Tarlac Agricultural University, namely curriculum K-12.