Lingayen – University of the Philippines (UP) President Alfredo Pascual commended the administration of Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) for nurturing the solid foundation for re-discovering Pangasinan history, arts and culture by marking April 5, 1580 as the founding date of the province.
Thus said by UP Vice President for Public Affairs Prospero De Vera, III, who delivered Dr. Pascual’s speech as guest of honor and speaker during the commemorative program of the 436th founding anniversary of Pangasinan (Agew na Pangasinan) held at the Sison Auditorium on April 5.
In 2010, Pangasinenses commemorated the 430th Agew na Pangasinan which featured an array of activities to spread awareness on Pangasinan culture, language and artistry enrichment and preservation; and local industries and natural resources as tourist destinations.
“It took the leadership of a student of history – Governor Espino – to recognize the importance of marking that milestone in this province’s history and it is an effort truly worthy of praise,” Dr. Pascual said.
Elated over the warm reception of Pangasinenses to the cultural renaissance of Pangasinan promoted by his administration, Governor Espino bared the developing programs and activities his administration have launched and institutionalized to celebrate the spirit of Pangasinan for cultural reawakening.
The various programs and activities implemented for cultural revival, according to Espino, are outcomes of laying a solid foundation for our province’s rebirth.
“As for me, it is my genuine love for our people and our province that inspired me to promote the culture of excellence, professionalism and hard work within the provincial government and to pursue well-defined goals for Pangasinan,” Gov. Espino said.
Citing Pangasinan’s historic role and importance to the country was deeply rooted, Pascual noted that Agew na Pangasinan is a reflection of the province’s rich history and how it developed over the centuries to become what it is today.
Pascual likewise lauded the partnership between UP and provincial government for the establishment of the Center for Pangasinan Studies (CPS) which was inaugurated at the Bengson-Yuson ancestral house, here, also as part of the 2016 Agew na Pangasinan.
Technical assistance will be provided by UP professors from Pangasinan to the CPS which developed as a consortium of five local-based higher education institutions (HEIs) — University of Luzon (UL), Lyceum Northwestern University (LNU), Virgin Milagrosa University Foundation (VMUF), Colegio De Dagupan (CDD) and University of Pangasinan (UPang) Phinma. A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was sealed between the provincial government, UP and the five local universities during the commemorative program.
“The CPS will ignite a stronger sense of pride among Pangasinenses that will reinvigorate their commitment to Pangasinan even greater than it already is,” Pascual said.