Tarlac State University held the investiture of its seventh president, Prof. Jasper Jay Nievera Mendoza, PhD, DDM, on October 2, 2026, at the Bulwagan ng Kanlahi in Tarlac City.
The ceremony was presided over by the Commission on Higher Education Commissioner and former TSU President Hon. Myrna Q. Mallari, representing the commission’s chairperson, Hon. Shirley C. Agrupis.
President Mendoza took his oath of office on May 5, 2026, after the rigorous evaluation of the university’s Board of Regents.
The investiture marks his 150th day in office.
In his investiture address, he reflected on his 150 days of service and experiences that have shaped his leadership.
“One hundred fifty days have taught me something I did not fully understand before. Ang pagkapangulo po ay hindi po karangalan. It is a burden that comes with trust. Our Constitution says in six words that every public officer should carry: ‘public office is a public trust’,” he said.
During the investiture rites, he received the symbolic presentation of TSU as a sign of his acceptance of responsibility and authority.
The academic gown, hood, and beret symbolize academic leadership and the responsibilities entrusted to the president. Wearing the gown assumes President Mendoza’s highest academic and administrative function in TSU.
The imposition of the presidential medallion mirrors the trust, authority, and responsibility bestowed by the Board of Regents. This also symbolizes TSU’s continuing journey of excellence.
The university mace represents the university’s history, core values, and strategic trajectory. This symbol underscores the authority of the governing president.
The presidential ring and gavel are the emblems of executive authority and governance. The ring embodies the permanent bond between the university and the president, as well as his commitment to safeguarding the institution's integrity. The ring has the TSU logo and the Roman numeral “VII” representing Dr. Mendoza as the seventh president of TSU. The traditional wooden gavel signifies parliamentary order, governance, and administrative authority.
The ceremony was attended by select members of the TSU community, the TSU Board of Regents, State University and College (SUC) presidents, government officials, officials from the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), TSU partners such as the Land Bank of the Philippines Tarlac Branch and the Central Luzon branches group, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Tarlac (PCCI-Tarlac), and the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), as well as civic organizations.
Eleven pathways, one direction: RISE FORWARD
President Mendoza presented his DALAN Framework (Pathways for Future-Ready Tarlac State University) and his strategic direction, RISE FORWARD, during his inaugural address.
“On May 1, 2026, during the public forum for the presidency, I shared eleven hopes and plans with many of you. I called them pathways: the DALAN Framework. I did not build them to win a position. I built them so that, if given the chance to serve, you would have something to hold me to… The commitment is mine. Hold me to them,” the president said.
The Eleven pathways, one direction: RISE FORWARD, are anchored on the university’s commitment to excellence, integrity, inclusivity, collaboration, servant leadership, and shared governance. The framework provides a unified direction for advancing the institution’s academic, research, community, organizational, and developmental priorities.
- Research and Innovation for Sustainable Development (Dalan ng Pananaliksik)
- Inclusive Access and Lifelong Learning (Dalan ng Pagkakapantay-pantay)
- Service Excellence and Good Governance (Dalan ng Serbisyo)
- Engagement and Global Partnerships (Dalan ng Pakikipag-ugnayan)
- Future-Ready Curricula and Instruction (Dalan ng Karunungan)
- Organizational Development and Talent Management (Dalan ng Pagpapaunlad)
- Resource Optimization and Sustainable Production (Dalan ng Kabuhayan)
- World-Class Infrastructure for Digital Transformation (Dalan ng Makabagong Teknolohiya)
- Accreditation, Quality Assurance, and Global Standards (Dalan ng Kalidad)
- Regional and National Responsiveness (Dalan ng Bayan)
- Dynamic Student Development and Support (Dalan ng Kabataan)
In his message of support, Hon. Jude A. Acide, chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, assured the president that TSU will always have a partner in him.
“When TSU needs a stronger voice in policy discussions, when reforms need to be pushed or when support needs to be secured, I am ready to work with you. I want this partnership to be practical, woven, most oriented, and sustained. What has come to TSU to become better and give students more opportunities. President JJ, you can count on me,” Hon. Acidre said.
Representing Hon. Joel L. Villanueva, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, Atty. Lindley C. Santillan expressed his support for the president and the weight of leadership.
“We all know that every time we speak with authority, there is always that corresponding responsibility. Responsibility [is at] the core not only of transparency but, more importantly, accountability,” he said
Tarlac local leaders Hon. Susan A. Yap, Tarlac City Mayor, Hon. Christian Tell A. Yap, Provincial Governor of Tarlac, and Hon. Maria Christina C. Angeles, Tarlac Second District Representative, were also present and affirmed their support and well wishes.
"We believe that you will deliver the university to greater heights. I, myself, believe that if we invest in our universities, we invest in our kababayan. My dream, one day, Tarlac, will be an economy driven by knowledge. We want to be a destination for knowledge and innovation, and through the growth of our university, this is possible,” Gov. Yap said in his message.
“An investiture is more than a ceremony. It is a solemn affirmation of trust. It symbolizes the confidence that a university communicates in a leader who is called by his future, upholds his values, and inspires people toward greater heights of excellence. For over a century, Tarlac State University stood as a beacon of education, innovation, and public service in Central Luzon. It has transformed values, empowered communities, and boosted generations of graduates to continue to contribute meaningfully,” Mayor Yap said in a speech delivered by Mr. John Allan Brylle Manalang, Provincial Sports Coordinator.
“Your clean track record of excellence, integrity, and student-centered advocacy makes you uniquely qualified to guide us forward,” Cong. Angeles said.
She also underscored the importance of his commitment, hard work, and genuine love for the university in building stronger relationships and a stronger foundation for leadership.
Batang Sampu
“I grew up on these grounds. I attended high school at the TSU Laboratory School. I once walked these corridors as a boy who had no idea what the future was holding. Naging isang simpleng guro. At ako po ay naniniwala na ang isang guro ay hindi nakakalimot sa kanyang pinagmulan at sa mga nagturo sa kanya,” the president said.
CHED Commissioner and former TSU president Hon. Myrna Q. Mallari, who contributed huge milestones in the university, reminded President Mendoza of the values that he should keep as he leads TSU.
"You will not do it alone; you cannot do it alone. You cannot claim accomplishments alone. That is very impossible. Please see to it that you involve your governing board. Seek their guidance, oversight, and key dimension and inspiration. You are fortunate at Tarlac State University,” Commissioner Mallari said in her speech as one of the dignitaries.
Previous TSU presidents Dr. Arnold E. Velasco (the sixth president) and Dr. Priscilla Viuya (the fourth president) also attended the ceremony.
“My gratitude also goes to the six presidents who came before me. The university I received today is not of my own making. Ito po ay pinagpaguran ng anim na pangulo at ng libu-libong guro at kawani. I am but a steward, and only for a time,” President Mendoza further said.
President Mendoza was accompanied by his family – his daughter, Ms. Elizabeth Ann; his mother, Mrs. Minviluz; his brothers and sister; and his in-laws.
Grace filled Investiture
Prior to the investiture, a celebration of the holy eucharist was held presided by the Bishop of Tarlac Most Reverend Roberto C. Mallari, his assistant secretary Rev. Fr. Neil John Fetalvero and the priests from the Our Lady of Peace College Seminary namely Rev. Fr. Anthony George Bergonio, rector; Rev. Fr. Harold Taguines, Safeguarding Office Diocese of Tarlac; Rev. Fr. Frank Manalang, Propadeutic Year Director and Dean of Studies; Rev. Fr. Jeffrey Gramonte, Discipleship Stage Director; and Rev. Fr. Estelito Gamboa jr., Spiritual Director.
OLPCS Rector Rev. Fr. Bergonio said in his homily that October 2 happens to be the feast day of the Holy Guardian Angels.
“You are president because God placed you there, and that is your vocation, your calling. Sir Jasper, may you exercise your duty with reverence and fear of the Lord. I do not know if you are aware that today, on the occasion of your investiture, we celebrate the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels; may your guardian angel guard and guide you always as you serve as TSU president with humility, integrity, and consider it as a vocation,” Rev. Fr. Bergonio said in his homily.
Meanwhile, Hon. Milabel E. Ho, Executive Director of the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP), seconded the grace-filled investiture and emphasized that being the seventh president of TSU, the number “7” is a perfect number even in the bible.
“If God is with you, then really, nothing could work against you... Be careful, because those who praise you today might crucify you tomorrow. President JJ, you have the heart for the Filipino," Hon. Ho said in her congratulatory message.
