HISTORY

The TSU College of Architecture and Fine Arts (CAFA) marks its beginnings on March 6, 1984 as a five- year BS Architecture curriculum in Tarlac College of Technology (TCT) approved by the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd). By 1995, the curriculum was offered under the Institute of Engineering, Architecture and Technical-Vocation Education (IEATV) with Prof. Orlando Husayan at the helm and Ar. Fatima Ozaeta as the first chairperson of the program.

Upholding continuous development and progress, the 1989 new University Charter saw the transformation of TCT into Tarlac State University (TSU). The university status opened new opportunities to formulate new goals and objectives—one of which was to extend its present curricular offerings to widen its base. Ar. Rosalinda Ignacio was appointed as chairperson in 1991, and then promoted as dean until 1995. On May 27, 1998, under the deanship of Ar. Alexis Norman Lowe, approved under the referendum No. 36, s. 1998, Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Advertising Arts was officially established with the help and expertise of Dr. Oscar Pecson. Ar. Lowe would continue to lead the college from 1996 until his scholarship leave in early 2001 as Engr. Jumar Valdez stepped in to be officer-in-charge.

Throughout 2001-2019, Ar. Marco Bildan served as college dean and assured the accreditation of both BFA Major in Advertising Arts to Levels I and II in 2015 and 2018, respectively, with then Fine Arts chairperson Dr. Wilfredo Dungca; whereas BS Architecture was re-accredited for Level II in 2016. In 2019, BFA Major in Advertising Arts completed its transition to BFA Major in Visual Communications.

Now, under the new stewardship of Ar. Garry Advento, with the assistance of department chairpersons Ar. Arlen Guieb for Architecture, and Judeo Herrera for Fine Arts, the college was able to fully accredit BS Architecture to Level II in March 2021. Their efforts in ensuring the never-ceasing improvements in its programs do not go unnoticed in TSU while leading the college in traversing the challenges brought by the pandemic and the new online learning platform. The next year will welcome a newly renovated building situated in TSU’s San Isidro campus complete with modern classrooms, computer laboratories and equipment ready to cater to aspiring architects, practicing artists, and creative designers alike.

Through the years, TSU CAFA has consistently held their pledge in the delivery of quality modes of instruction to its students by producing successful, globally-competitive registered architects as well as topnotchers, competent draftsmen, and nationally-recognized artists and designers.                                        

VISION

A regional center of excellence for arts and architecture students

MISSION

Develop highly-competitive professionals with strong moral conscience

GOALS

1. responsive and responsible artists and architects
2. research-based curriculum and instruction
3. resourceful and self-reliant studentry
4. artists and architects with strong socio-cultural conscience

OBJECTIVES

1. continue developing ways to improve instruction and curricular offerings
2. foster academic-professional growth through research activities
3. develop culture of creative self-reliance
4. get involved in community affairs extension services