Tarlac State University’s Center for Community and Local Governance Studies and Policy Development partnered with the Ugnayang Pang-Aghamtao, Inc. (UGAT), also known as the Anthropological Association of the Philippines, to advance efforts in preserving cultural legacy and promoting literacy through heritage education.
The partnership, valid until December 2026, was formalized through a memorandum of agreement signed on Friday (January 7) afternoon via Zoom meeting.
Under the agreement, UGAT will collaborate with the university and the local government units of Pura and Moncada in providing expertise in anthropological methods. This will support and strengthen the cultural preservation projects of the center through specialized trainings and seminars.
In his message, university president Dr. Arnold E. Velasco underscored the significance of the partnership in maintaining the history and cultural identity for future generations.
Furthermore, Pres. Velasco also committed to fulfill the duties and responsibilities outlined in the agreement.
Likewise, UGAT President, Assistant Professor Noreen H. Sapalo, pledged to actively support in promoting and safeguarding Tarlac’s rich folklore and cultural traditions.
“This partnership marks an important step towards ensuring the continued vitality and appreciation of our heritage for future generations. This can foster pride, understanding, and respect for a shared and diverse cultural identity,” Asst. Prof. Sapalo said in her commitment speech.
One of the primary initiatives of this partnership is the ‘Education Heritage Management: Preserving the Local Government of Pura’s Folklore for Cultural Identity and Literacy Advancement’ to be led by Pura’s Folklore project head, Dr. Ninez B. Tulo.
The project focuses on preserving Tarlac’s intangible cultural heritage through folklore mapping and integrating culturally relevant reading materials into school curricula to enhance literacy and education in the region.
Meanwhile, the ‘Preserving Moncada’s Heritage: A Path to 150 Years’ project led by Asst. Prof. Bryan Jan Dizon, will involve UGAT’s support in refining Moncada’s coffee table book, research monographs, and cultural mapping.
According to Asst. Prof. Dizon, UGAT will also contribute as cultural and social science experts in panel discussions and assist in developing instructional materials to promote cultural awareness and branding.
The specialized training and seminars encompass topics in ethnography, folklore mapping, and linguistic data gathering which are set to take place in late February with the TSU faculty and the Pura and Moncada LGUs as participants.
Photo by: Eduardo F. Laxamana Jr.
