The TSU Center for Community and Local Governance Studies and Policy Development (CCLGSPD), in collaboration with the TSU Office of Public Affairs (OPA) and the LGU of Moncada, successfully conducted a Training-Workshop on Street and Documentary Photography on April 3 and 4, 2025. Funded by the LGU of Moncada, this two-day capacity-building initiative was designed to train cultural mappers composed of faculty, students, and community members from Moncada and TSU in the art and techniques of visually documenting the municipality’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The photographs and documentation produced will serve as key components of a forthcoming coffee table book and a public exhibit to be launched during Moncada’s 151st Foundation Anniversary on May 1, 2025.
This year’s foundation celebration is especially significant as it marks the first time that Moncada will observe its founding on May 1, correcting the previously celebrated date of July 1. The change is the result of extensive archival research and validation led by respected local historian Dr. Lino L. Dizon, in close collaboration with the CCLGSPD and the LGU. Historical documents confirm that Moncada was officially founded on May 1, 1874. In recognition of the importance of historical accuracy and cultural identity, the municipal government formally adopted the corrected date, enriching the town’s collective memory and fostering a deeper sense of civic pride.
The training was facilitated by media and communication experts from TSU’s OPA. Mr. Franc Lewis R. Juanatas led sessions on basic camera functions, composition, and photography techniques. Ms. Maria Adelaida D. Calayag provided input on street and documentary photography as well as caption writing. Ms. Jodie Andrea G. Pangilinan delivered sessions on photo editing, post-processing, and digital file management.
This initiative not only enhances the technical capabilities of Moncada’s and TSU’s cultural mappers but also strengthens the community’s commitment to preserving its rich heritage for future generations. Through the collaborative efforts of TSU’s CCLGSPD and OPA, and the LGU of Moncada, the town is poised to present a compelling visual narrative of its cultural identity during its milestone 151st foundation celebration.
