Preserving Moncada's Legacy: Cultural Mapping Initiative Reaches Milestones

The five-day Cultural Mapping Training, organized by Tarlac State University through its CCLGSPD and collaborating faculty members, in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Moncada and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), adeptly combined theoretical instruction with practical activities. This comprehensive program has empowered newly trained cultural mappers with the expertise to effectively document both the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Moncada.

This training is a key component of the long-term project "Preserving Moncada’s Legacy: A Path to 150 Years," aimed at compiling and publishing a comprehensive book on Moncada's cultural heritage. The initiative is dedicated to ensuring that Moncada’s cultural history is accurately recorded and preserved for future generations.

Led by Asst. Prof. Bryan Jan Dizon, the Moncada heritage revival project seeks to address gaps in primary sources and technical expertise related to the municipality’s cultural and historical heritage. The project involves archival research, cultural mapping, and the development of educational materials and initiatives. By filling gaps in historical records and creating a detailed cultural map, the project aims to foster pride and cultural appreciation among Moncada’s residents.

In support of this effort, Mayor Estelita M. Aquino issued Executive Order No. 37, Series of 2024, which authorizes TSU and the Moncada Local Mappers to carry out cultural mapping across the municipality starting August 5, 2024, through the project's completion. The order calls on all local agencies, barangays, organizations, and residents to collaborate with the mappers, underscoring the importance of preserving Moncada's unique traditions and stories.

Key Activities

𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒:

 Morning Cultural Mapping: Aringin High School, Aringin Elementary School, Villa Elementary School, Calamay Elementary School, San Roque Elementary School, Sta. Monica Integrated School, Baquero Norte Elementary School, Banaoang East Elementary School, Banaoang West Elementary School, Sapang Elementary School, and Sapang High School.

Afternoon Cultural Mapping: Mabini Elementary School, Atencio Elementary School, Lapsing Elementary School, San Pedro Elementary School, San Pedro High School, San Juan Elementary School, San Leon Elementary School, Camangaan East Elementary School, San Julian Elementary School, San Julian-Sta. Maria High School, Sta. Maria Elementary School, and Sta. Lucia Elementary School.

𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒:

Morning Cultural Mapping: Tagurarit Elementary School, Baquero Sur Elementary School, Calapan Elementary School, Capaoayan Elementary School, Burgos Elementary School, Caparas Compound (Tangible Movable), Maluac Elementary School, Tolega Sur Elementary School, and Tolega Norte Elementary School.

Afternoon Cultural Mapping: Moncada South Central Elementary School, Camposanto Elementary School, Moncada Catholic School, Moncada North Central Elementary School, Moncada National High School, and Demetrio F. Nagtalon Integrated School.

The community has warmly welcomed the project, with many locals sharing tangible cultural items and their stories, highlighting their cultural significance. The mapping will continue in the coming days, further expanding the project's reach and impact