Tarlac State University joined the Provincial Government of Tarlac and the Cojuangco family in commemorating the 90th birth anniversary of Ambassador Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco Jr. on June 10 (Tuesday) at the Maria Cristina Park, Tarlac City.
The university was represented by Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Agnes M. Macaraeg, College of Engineering Dean Dr. Miriam S. Galvez, College of Arts and Social Science Dean Dr. Aloysius T. Madriaga, and former TSU president Dr. Priscilla C. Viuya.
Dr. Viuya recounted how the Eduardo Cojuangco Foundation served as a bridge in implementing Project FREE (Flagship to Reach Educational Excellence) by tapping the Department of Education divisions in Tarlac, University of St. La Salle in Bacolod, and Tarlac State University to cater to around 2,000 public school teachers who are taking up their master's and doctoral degrees as the foundation's scholars.
"When he chose Tarlac State University for Project FREE, as the name implies, it is a project [that] builds up on faith. It is developmental, to say the least. But with that developmental aspect comes the empowering aspect of that program: It allowed teachers to complete their master's and [doctoral] degree programs, and because of that, they have felt the power to enrich themselves, and because of that, their influence grew. And as they touch lives, and those people who have touched their lives, their influence lives on and on ad infinitum," Dr. Viuya said in a speech during the tribute program.
The teachers earned their graduate degree diplomas from the University of St. La Salle by attending face-to-face classes at TSU as the host institution of Project FREE.
"He has given us the chance for our souls to bloom because, as it is said, 'gratitude is the blossom of the soul.' Thank you, Sir Danding, and thank you [to] those who have been part of this program," the former TSU president added.
The tribute concert was graced by senator-elect Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, current NPC chairman, Cojuangco family supporters, and Tarlac politicians.
Apart from the concert, Sen. Sotto and Ambassador Danding's grandchildren led the "Danding Exhibit" ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Diwa ng Tarlac, which is dedicated to his legacy and contributions.
Ambassador Danding served as the governor of Tarlac Province from 1967-1969 and as congressman from 1969 to 1972. He founded the Nationalist People's Coalition, the political party he ran under as a presidential candidate in 1992. He later became one of the advisers of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
The philanthropist also advocated Philippine sports in the 1980s through the San Miguel Corporation's sponsorship of three basketball teams, namely San Miguel Beermen, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, and Star Hotshots. He also established the Northern Cement Corporation basketball team and the Philippine Amateur Basketball League, honing the skills and talents of young Filipino athletes.
He married Soledad "Gretchen" Oppen, and they were blessed with four children: Margarita Cojuangco-Barrera, Lisa Cojuangco-Cruz, Carlos "Charlie" Cojuangco (former 1st district representative), and Marcos "Mark" Cojuangco (2nd district representative of Pangasinan. jlm/OPA
Photo: Eduardo F. Laxamana Jr., Jodie Andrea G. Pangilinan
