Tarlac State University and the TSU Alumni Association Inc. (TSUAAI), through the TSU Alumni Affairs Office (AAO), led the groundbreaking ceremony of the upcoming TSU Alumni Park earlier today (September 20, 2022) at the Lucinda Campus.
The grounds where the Alumni Center, Interfaith Chapel, and College of Criminal Justice Education building are located will be converted into a recreational space not only for students and personnel but also for visiting alumni and other guests.
The TSU Alumni Park is a concept of the TSU AAO led by Director Dr. Winston F. Abalos as early as 2019. This is in collaboration with the university for the landscaping design and the TSUAAI for the financing.
Said project will be implemented in three phases: Phase 1 for the initial landscaping and construction of benches, light posts, and arc; Phase 2 for garden beautification; and Phase 3 for the provision of additional roofed benches and food kiosks, creating a food park to be manned by TSU working students generating additional income.
TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco, represented by Vice President for Research and Extension Services Dr. Murphy P. Mohammed, said that creating, improving, and promoting places to be physically active can improve individual and community health.
“I am stunned by this project of the TSU Alumni Association. This will not just beautify our campus here in Lucinda but also provide us [with] a spot to gather with families, friends, and co-workers. This signifies that we are advocates of a beautiful, clean, and green environment,” he said.
Phase 1 of the TSU Alumni Park will be completed and inaugurated on the dedicated Alumni Day (October 22, 2022) during the university’s 116th founding and 34th charter anniversary celebration.
Aside from the Alumni Park, the Alumni Center is envisioned to be renovated with a construction of a second floor, according to TSUAAI president and BOR alumni representative Hon. Reynaldo L. Catacutan.
“We will start with the [total budget of] four million pesos, na two million pesos na nahingi ko po kay Gov. Susan Yap. Nakahingi po ako ng one million pesos kay Cong. Christian Yap (2nd District), and nakahingi po ako ng one million pesos kay Cong. Bong Rivera (3rd District) for next year. Lahat po ng pondo ipapadala sa TSU at ang TSU po ang magpapabid then tayo po ang magi-implement,” he said.
The Alumni Center’s conference room, located on the first floor, will be renovated, and two LED walls will be installed. Meanwhile, the second floor will house additional rooms as well as additional function rooms.
