Tarlac State University held the grand book launch of “Silay: Glimpse of TSU’s Past Volume I”, the institutional coffee table compendium, during the last day of the 120th Founding Anniversary and 37th Universityhood Celebration on October 17, 2026, at the TSU Main AVR.
The coffee table book is a collection of photographs and documents featuring the milestones of the university, from its early establishment as Tarlac Trade School (TTS) in 1906, through its conversion to Tarlac School of Arts and Trades (TSAT) in 1959, and to Tarlac College of Technology (TCT) in 1965.
Organized by the Records and Archives Unit (RAU), headed by Ms. Victoria G. Seguira, the event brought together current and former university officials, retirees, alumni of the former TTS, TSAT, and TCT, as well as other distinguished guests.
University President Dr. Jasper Jay N. Mendoza delivered an inspirational message, sharing that the book may only be a glimpse of the past, but it is enough to make people turn their heads and look back again.
“Nagsimula po tayo sa kamay, lumago sa isip, at nanatili tayo sa loob ng isang daan at dalawampung taon dahil sa puso. Isip, puso, kamay – iyan po ang ating kasaysayan. Sa pagkaguro: cognitive, affective, psychomotor – these are the important domains in education. These memories did not preserve themselves; they were gathered page by page, photograph by photograph,” he said.
Meanwhile, Former TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco shared that “Silay” was envisioned to preserve the stories of the people, events, and milestones that shaped the university into the institution that it is today.
“Gusto nating ipaalam sa mga susunod na henerasyon na ang tagumpay ng TSU ay hindi nabuo sa isang iglap lang. It was built through the sacrifices, dedication, and hard work of the generation of leaders, faculty members, employees, students, alumni, and community partners,” he said.
Afterward, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to unveil the official print of the coffee table book. This was followed by a book review by Dr. Edward Benrick D. Salonga, an expert in history and an alumnus of the College of Public Administration and Governance.
“Every page reflects shared ownership, where we can see a narrative of stories of those people who dedicated their lives to the development of Tarlac State University,” Dr. Salonga observed.
Recognition was also given to the alumni present and members of the book committee, comprising of TSU executives, the Records Management Improvement Committee (RMIC) and sub-committees, external editorial consultants, and selected Administrative Council members and teaching and non-teaching employees.
Also present at the event were Former Tarlac Provincial Board Member and TSU Honoris Causa recipient Hon. Amado K. Go, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Brendalyn A. Manzano, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Dr. Niño B. Corpuz, Office of Administrative Service Director Atty. Theodore M. Timpac, Office of University Research Development Dr. Maria Agnes P. Ladia, Office of Alumni Affairs Director Dr. Winston F. Abalos, Office of Library Management and Services Director Ms. Cynthia M. Bognot, and Presidential Assistant Atty. Brigido B. Corpuz.
"Silay" is a collaborative work of the university together with consultants, namely former National Historical Commission of the Philippines Commissioner and former TSU Tarlaqueño Studies Head Dr. Lino Dizon, former Tarlaqueño Studies Head Dr. Rodrigo Sicat, Prof. Oscar Pecson, and Prof. Renato Galvez.
