LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – More developments in the preservation, promotion and propagation of Pangasinan language and culture will soon be realized as the present provincial administration is set to formalize ties with the University of the Philippines (UP) to enhance the linguistic and cultural heritage of Pangasinan.
Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. has been authorized by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with UP President Alfredo E. Pascual for the planning and implementation of various projects which help preserve, promote and propagate the language and culture of the province.
In his sponsoring speech during the regular SP session held on June 8, here, Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr, SP Committee Chairperson on Tourism, Arts and Culture, said that Pangasinan has embarked on significant developments in language and culture preservation for the past six years under the leadership of Governor Espino.
“We have been establishing efforts in establishing identity and even making a mark in history books for Pangasinan to be well known not only to fellow Pangasinenses, but also for the entire country,” Calimlim stressed.
UP, having the capability and expertise shall help the provincial government in planning and implementation of identified projects which include the creation of a Pangasinan Studies Center, historical and cultural mapping and inventory of the province and the 44 towns and 4 cities, and other projects as stipulated in the MOU.
Calimlim said that the UP academe which include Dr. Prospero “Popo” De Vera, an ASNA awardee of the province who was invited as guest of honor and speaker of the commemorative program of Pistay Dayat last May 1, has expressed willingness to help Pangasinan on worthy endeavors relevant to language and culture preservation.
Efforts in renewing Pangasinan’s historic past started after a historically acceptable date for the founding of the province was approved. The very first celebration of Agew na Pangasinan was staged in April 5, 2010.
Other efforts to reinvigorate Pangasinan language and culture were accomplished: creation of Pangasinan and Historical Commission (PHCC); launching of I Love Pangasinan Movement; approval of “Luyag Mi Tan Yaman” as official Pangasinan Hymn; institutionalization of Pangasinan Orthography; staging of “Balitok A Tawir,” Pangasinan’s official Culture and Arts Festival and “Asin Ed Asinan” cultural production; and the production of first Pangasinan History AVP.
History book of Pangasinan entitled “Pinablin Dalin” was also published and officially launched along with the presentation of the first anthology book of Kurit Panlunggaring, Pangasinan’s official literary contest, during the Agew na Pangasinan celebration last April 5.
Said history book is an accurate record of Pangasinan’s history, culture and heritage accomplished under direct guidance of former UP Diliman Vice Chancellor Perla Legazpi who hails from Mangatarem town.
By Dexter A. See
