Tarlac State University joined the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in celebrating its 28th founding anniversary and the 2nd National Higher Education Day (NHED) through a hybrid and limited in-person program earlier today (May 24) at the TSU Gymnasium.
Themed “Claiming Victory for Quality Higher Education: Dekalidad na Edukasyon, Karapatan ng Mamamayan,” the kick-off program featured a short lecture delivered by National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Commissioner Dr. Lino L. Dizon, also a retired TSU faculty member and former director of the Center for Tarlaqueño Studies.
His lecture centered on the Commission’s history and some historical trivia about TSU.
“Let these twin events or commemorations be also an opportunity to reflect on the growth and development of our beloved institution, Tarlac State University. In it, we actually see the workings and role of tri-focalization of education with the present CHED, DepEd, and TESDA – starting out with the offering of [an] elementary trade course in 1906 of the Tarlac Provincial School, which eventually became the Tarlac High School; the Manual Training School in 1909; the Tarlac School of Arts and Trade in 1959; the Tarlac College of Technology in 1965; and the Tarlac State University in 1989,” Commissioner Dizon said.
He also shared about the two historical markers found at TSU – one at the Engineering grounds which was once known as Casa Real de Tarlac where President Emilio Aguinaldo held office, while the other is by the flagpole in front of the Administration Building.
Meanwhile, TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco reiterated the importance of education in today’s society in his inspirational message.
“Whether a person is living in poverty or among the wealthiest in the world, education is necessary to advance in any situation. I don’t know how I will inspire these people, particularly ang ating mga estudyante, but I really want you to remember this: the greatest gift that you can give sa sarili niyo bilang mga estudyante ay ang makatapos sa pag-aaral,” President Velasco said.
He also shared that with his limited means and without his wife’s knowledge, he has sponsored students who have graduated this year. He appealed to the faculty to help deserving students to finish their studies.
“Nalulungkot po ako sa mga estudyante, particularly iyong mga mahihirap ng katulad ko, na hindi nagtatapos dahil sa kahirapan… May karapatan din po silang makapagtapos, at may karapatan din silang ma-enjoy iyong mga nae-enjoy po natin ngayon na comfort of life. So, I encourage you to please, if you have the opportunity, help students who really deserve to be having this education,” he said.
To involve students in the celebration, the program was also streamed live via the TSU Office of Public Affairs (OPA) Facebook page.
Aside from the program, the university also organized competitions for students in line with the celebration such as the mobile photography contest, essay writing contest, and poster making contest. These were launched last May 20, 2022 (Friday) via the OPA Facebook page.
According to CHEDRO-III Memorandum No. 067, s. 2022, higher education institutions (HEIs) in Region III are enjoined to celebrate the twin festivities pursuant to Republic Act No. 11522 which declares May 18 of every year as the National Higher Education Day.
