The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has expanded its Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Southern Luzon State University (SLSU), allowing engineering faculty members to undergo industry immersion with companies operating in the Clark Freeport.

During the MOA signing ceremony held at the Clark Visitors Center on 24 February 2026, CDC President and CEO Agnes VST Devanadera and SLSU President Dr. Frederick T. Villa formalized the agreement, which aims to strengthen industry-aligned education by training not only students but also educators.

The expanded agreement falls under CDC’s Town and Gown Program, a long-running initiative linking academia with industry by deploying students for on-the-job training within CDC and its locators.

The latest amendment marks a shift in emphasis: faculty members are now formally included, signaling recognition that teachers play a critical role in shaping the future workforce.

Devanadera said education must move in step with industry growth to build sustainable careers and competitive skills.

“The academe must really be part of the industrial sector,” she said, adding that the program ensures education runs in tandem with industry development.

Under the amended agreement, selected faculty members from the SLSU College of Engineering will join their students in a two-week immersion program with Clark-based locators, giving them firsthand exposure to current engineering processes, technologies and workplace standards.

The partnership also allows participating companies to sit on the SLSU College of Engineering’s industry advisory board — giving industry representatives a voice in curriculum development while providing schools clearer insight into real-world skills requirements.

CDC Vice President for the Administration and Finance Group Jose Miguel de la Rosa said the initiative underscores the importance of investing in people.

“We believe in capital investment in people. When we start connecting with potential leaders and professionals, we sustain industries,” he said.

From the academic side, Ma. Corazon Abejo, dean of the SLSU College of Engineering, welcomed the expanded partnership, saying it strengthens faculty capability and supports accreditation efforts.

“We are capitalizing on our graduates — our future workforce for the industry. We believe that good teachers can produce good students,” Abejo said.

The Town and Gown Program now counts 28 partner institutions nationwide, reflecting CDC’s broader strategy of building a steady talent pipeline linking education, industry and regional development.

Also present at the signing were Atty. Bonifacio Tarenio Jr., assistant vice president for Administration; Rommel Narciso, assistant vice president for External Affairs; Ma. Zoraida Camello, special assistant to the president and CEO; Rachelle Yusi, Human Resources Division manager; Maricris Gepte, Corporate Social Responsibility and Placement Division manager; and Engr. Leoncio Tan, Building and Facilities Permits Division manager.