TSU Unviels "Cory" and "Aping" commemorative busts
Former Philippine President Corazon C. Aquino, and former Congressman and Tarlac Province Governor Jose “Aping” Yap at the historic TSU Centennial Park last November 24, 2011. The unveiling was made during the celebration of the University’s 105thFounding Anniversary. University officials led by TSU President, Dr. Priscilla C. Viuya witnessed the historic event.
In her speech, Dr. Viuya expressed the gratitude of the entire institution, from its officials, to its personnel, the generations of students, and the community as well, to the great efforts of both the late “Tita Cory” and “Tang Aping” in making TSU, as it is now, the premiere University in the region. Dr. Viuya said that nothing can best express the gratitude of the entire TSU community to the late “Aping” Yap except through “this constant reminder of the many significant contributions he has made to our University”.
Then Congressman Yap was the principal author and sponsor of a bill at the Lower House of Congress converting the then Tarlac College of Technology (TCT, as it was known then) into a State University. Republic Act 6764 or “An Act Converting the Tarlac College of Technology into Tarlac State University” was enacted into law in 1989, with then Tarlac First and Third District Representatives Jose “Peping” Cojuangco and Herminio “Hermie” Aquino as co-authors and co-sponsors. President Corazon C. Aquino enacted the bill into law.
Present during the ceremony were Yap’s children, Tarlac Governor Victor A. Yap and 2nd District Representative Susan Yap, who couldn’t help but feel nostalgic and proud about the whole affair.
“ I was once a student of TSU”, Governor Vic recalled. “And I am happy to see some of my mentors still around”, he added jokingly. The Governor recalled how he came to realize the difficulties of educating students without the necessary tools to enhance their training. His experiences and observations made him aware of the problems of the University and is fully supportive of its goals—the same goals he said, which were part of his father’s dream.
Also present during the occasion were Dr. Lolita V. Sicat, VP for Academic Affairs; Dr. Brigido B. Corpuz, VP for Production; Dr. Dalisay V. Rigor, VP for Administration; Dr. Glenard T. Madriaga, VP for Research, Extension and Development. The Deans, Directors, students and personnel from the Administration and other non-academic staff also witnessed the historic event.