SENATOR Bam Aquino has filed a bill to rename Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) into Tarlac Science, Technology, and Agricultural University (TSTAU) to reflect its broadened academic programs and growing reputation as a hub for science, technology, and innovation.

Under Senate Bill No. 1356, Aquino seeks to amend Republic Act No. 10800, which converted the former Tarlac College of Agriculture into TAU in 2016.

The measure would update the university’s name and strengthen its charter by reorganizing its governing board, expanding curricular offerings, securing land titles, and extending compliance timelines with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Aquino said the current name no longer reflects TAU’s evolution.

“Since becoming a university, TAU has expanded into engineering, business, teacher education, veterinary medicine, health sciences, and the arts and humanities,” he said. “Its research, extension services, and international partnerships have also gained recognition both locally and abroad. Yet the name ‘Tarlac Agricultural University’ conveys a limited focus on agriculture.”

The proposed TSTAU Charter will authorize the university to offer undergraduate to post-graduate programs in agriculture, science, technology, engineering, business, arts and humanities, and allied medical fields. It will also broaden its mandate to provide advanced instruction, research, and extension services in support of national development.

The bill also seeks to reorganize the Board of Regents, adding representatives from the Departments of Science and Technology, Health, and the proposed Department of Economy, Planning and Development, alongside CHED, the Department of Agriculture, and the private sector.

To ensure a smooth transition, the incumbent university president will serve as the first president under the new charter and may be reappointed. The measure also extends TAU’s deadline to fully comply with CHED requirements to January 1, 2029.

Aquino stressed that the reforms will allow TSTAU to remain a leader in agriculture while emerging as a center of excellence in science, technology, health, and innovation—better serving the youth of Tarlac, Central Luzon, and the nation.