The legacy of Serafin and Lucinda David continues as Tarlac State University celebrated today (January 19) the 53rd anniversary of their 10-hectare land donation – the foundation of what is now the TSU Lucinda Campus.
Dubbed “Fiesta sa Lucinda” held at the TSU Hotel's Priscilla Hall, the commemoration with the family of Serafin and Lucinda David showcased the campus’ rich history, including a historical discussion by Dr. Lino L. Dizon, former NHCP commissioner and former Tarlaqueño Studies head of TSU, and the reading of the 1973 deed of donation and acceptance by Prof. Augusto N. Lulu, Jr., executive assistant to the Vice President of Administration.
Serving as the celebration's highlight was the signing of a new deed of donation for a 429 square meters plot of land designated for the future TSU Records, Archives, and Museum (RAM), which will feature a dedicated space to exhibit the S.G. David family memorabilia to honor their lifelong support of the university.
The signing was led by TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco and Mr. Jose Pablo G. David, the senior member of the S.G. David family.
“Dear members of the David family, your legacy is not measured in hectares you share but in the lives transformed on the land you so graciously shared. Your generosity is not only a blessing to Tarlac State University but to the entire province of Tarlac. I further believe that the spirit of giving will return to you a hundredfold of blessings,” he said.
Meanwhile, Atty. Alvin David Fernandez, one of the grandchildren of the David couple, highlighted how TSU and the Lucinda Campus have gone a long way with educating Tarlaqueños and Filipinos.
“The Serafin-Lucinda descendants hope that one day, which is already happening, TSU Lucinda will continue to be recognized in the country as a state university that produces graduates who would lead the Philippines into an industrial nation… with public and private leaders who shall prioritize national interests over personal wealth, sourced from government corruption,” he said.
Furthermore, the family hopes that the TSU culture will continue to instill in the hearts and minds of the students the value of “malasakit sa kapwa.”
The vice presidents of TSU shared their own testimonies alongside messages of gratitude to the donors.
Dr. Jasper Jay N. Mendoza (Academic Affairs) described himself as a "true son" of the Lucinda Campus, having graduated from both the TSU Laboratory School and the College of Education; Atty. Gherold C. Benitez (Administration) remarked on the symbolic benevolence behind the names Serafin, Lucinda, and David, which have blessed the institution for over 50 years; while Atty. Wilmark J. Ramos (Research, Innovation, and Extension) expressed gratitude for the campus facilities that empower his offices to serve both the university and the nation.
Aside from the 10-hectare land of the Lucinda Campus and the lot allocated for the TSU RAM, the David family donated a 2,592 square meter lot in 2023 for the university’s dormitory during the campus' 50th anniversary. (jlm-OPA)
Photo: Franc Lewis R. Juanatas
