Tarlac State University launched its coffee table book, featuring milestones from its inception as the Tarlac Trade School to its status as the Tarlac College of Technology, during the founding and universityhood anniversary week.
The soft launching of the book's first volume titled "Silay: Glimpse of TSU's Past" was held on October 16, 2025 at the TSU Gymnasium, which was attended by the members of the book committee, comprising the TSU executives, Records Management Improvement Committee and sub-committees, external editorial consultants, and selected Administrative Council members and teaching and non-teaching employees.
“Congratulations to everyone who brought 'Silay' to life. May this volume be the first of many as we continue to honor our past, celebrate our present, and shape a future worthy of our name. Let's carry the story of the past as we build the future,” Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jasper Jay N. Mendoza said in his opening remarks.
"Silay" is a collaborative work of the university led by the Records and Archives Unit and the RMIC, chaired by Vice President for Administration Atty. Gherold C. Benitez, who is also the chairperson of this book project.
The book team was led by 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.
Part of the book launch is the delivery of a book review by Dr. Edward Benrick D. Salonga, a TSU alumnus and faculty member from Pampanga State Agricultural University who specializes in history and social studies.
“It is actually a work that is not merely a compilation of months and dates but a living advocate of four things, [namely] growth, resilience, community, and service. As I stand before you, I speak not only as a reader or a reviewer but as a proud alumnus who has walked the same halls, shared the same dreams shaped within this institution,” Dr. Salonga said.
He added that the collective approach of TSU gives historical narrative authenticity with the integration of trivia and historical coincidences between its milestones and key events in Philippine history. Furthermore, the photographs of Tarlac's old structures add meaningful historical depth, offering an intangible connection to the past.
A song dedicated to the launch and the coffee table book, which is also titled "Silay," was played during the program. This was composed by former TSU faculty Mr. Renato G. Nicdao, also an alumnus, who is now based in the UAE. (jlm-OPA)
Photo: Eduardo F. Laxamana Jr.
