The local government of Moncada recognized Tarlac State University with an award given last Saturday evening (February 8) during the Balikbayan Night of the Kamote Festival at the Luis Morales Auditorium for their continuing partnership in enriching the town's culture and heritage.
Through the university's Center for Community and Local Governance Studies and Policy Development (CCLGSPD), TSU has been rendering research and extension activities enveloped in the project titled "Preserving Moncada's Legacy: A Path to 150 Years."
Moncada mayor Estelita Aquino, who pushed for the project's funding, lauded the university for advancing the town folks' knowledge and historical advancements as they celebrate their sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary.
Part of the project is the publication of a book from 1874-2024 to be written by former National Historical Commission of the Philippines Commissioner and former Center for Tarlaqueno Studies Head Dr. Lino L. Dizon.
The book will include traditional landmarks; the lives of the residents who contributed to the town's history; the folks' devotion to St. Raymond Nonatus, the town's patron saint that influenced and shaped the faith of the residents; the "Puto Moncada," a famous delicacy in this town; and the old infrastructures as symbols of the growth and progress of Moncada.
These contents are products of cultural mapping, archival research, cultural identity and branding, and archive digitization efforts of TSU and LGU Moncada.
Moreover, the five-minute audio-visual presentation about Moncada's brief history, featuring the town's official founding anniversary date based on Dr. Dizon's research, was showcased to the Moncadeñans during the event.
This AVP highlights the university's contribution to the town's historical knowledge and cultural growth, including the initially mapped roots and historical continuity that will benefit future generations and researchers alike.
Representing the university during the awarding are CCLGSPD Director Dr. Cynthia Quiambao, CCLGSPD Department Head Prof. Vien Jamaica Samson, Project Head Prof. Bryan Jan Dizon, Dr. Ninez Tulo, Office of Public Affairs Director Prof. Jazzel Llaneli Manabat, and Dr. Dizon.
Former senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV also graced the event as the guest of honor and speaker. (jlmm-OPA)
