TCA derives its legal mandate as an autonomous state agricultural college from Presidential Decree (PD) 609 dated December 18, 1974 which officially terminated its merger with the Tarlac College of Technology, now Tarlac State University (TSU).

But it stopped operation in December 1944 and resumed after the Liberation as 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.

The most conducive for an agricultural school's expansion was found in Malacampa, a barangay seven kilometers away from the town proper.

Expansion and development was accelerated when CRHS was converted to Tarlac National Agricultural School (TNAS) in 1957, under a Superintendent.

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.

Government programs related to agriculture, especially after the declaration of Martial Law in 1972 gave a boost to the enrollment in these courses.

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.

There was an exodus of faculty to take graduate studies because of the promotion scheme of state universities and colleges that gave highest point to educational attainment.

Twenty-one faculty cottages, the Girls' Dorm and Boys' 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 production projects also increased, notably rice, vegetables, piggery, poultry, goat, cattle, nursery, fruit trees, seedlings and canteen service.

The landmark was the Farmers’ Training Center built from the Countrywide Development Fund (CDF) of the then Senator Alberto G. Romulo.

Rosete's term that scholarships from private individuals and NGOs started pouring in, and more curricular programs were offered.

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.

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.