As the Christmas season brings communities together in celebration, Tarlac State University officially joins the 17th Belenismo sa Tarlac.
TSU's entry, titled "Belen ng Kalikhasan," was one of the 17 Belens subjected to the pre-judging phase of the Tarlac Heritage Foundation and media personnel under the community category during the opening ceremony yesterday (November 5).
This year's Belen highlights the university's efforts in environmental preservation – blending faith, tradition, and sustainability in a meaningful Christmas message through the theme "Kalikhasan," a combination of the Filipino terms for "creation" (likha) and "nature" (kalikasan).
The Belen, located in front of the Engineering grounds at the Main Campus, was crafted by woodworkers, electricians, and painters from the Office of Facilities Development and Management, supervised by Ar. King Jhon Paul R. Talon.
The overall design and concept were spearheaded by Mr. Oscar Ubusan, Jr., one of the painters under OFDM.
The highlight of the Belen is the depiction of the Holy Family between two trees, symbolizing TSU's stronghold foundation, with roots depicting the projects of the Office of the University Extension Services that aim to reach communities in need of support and assistance.
The lamps in the trees act as guiding lights, leading the university on its path to excellence, while the water beneath the trees signifies abundance and life.
Furthermore, the angel at the center corresponds to the university's commitment to inclusivity, embracing all races, genders, ethnic groups, and marginalized communities.
In an interview with the Office of Public Affairs, Mr. Ubusan shared that they used old tablecloths, chicken wire, iron steel bars, and cement to create a cast for the trees and the angel's structure.
Moreover, plastic cubicle dividers used during the COVID-19 pandemic were repurposed and layered to create a 3D impression of the angel's wings.
The angel's moving background with a star in the center is powered by an old car battery, which Mr. Victor Enrico, an electrician from the OFDM, made.
Additionally, the angel's wings and the moving backdrop were carved from used plywood and plyboard.
Meanwhile, the mushroom symbolizes humility and the university's projects and partnerships with agencies and communities that have grown in different towns and have created impact.
TSU Belen-makers also used abaca strings and coco mesh, harvested from the mountains of San Jose, Tarlac, to cover the holy family's arch and base to portray a forest look.
The pre-judging results will determine the entries that will proceed to the semi-final round of the competition.
Belenismo is an annual event established in 2007 to showcase traditional Belens created by communities in Tarlac Province.
In total, 62 belens participated in this year's Belenismo festival under the community, church, monumental, grand non-municipal, and grand municipal categories. (jlmm-OPA)
