CASS marks first-ever Paskuhan

Report by Lexter Kian Pamintuan | Photo by Leanna Kaylee Manuel

College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) of Tarlac State University held its first-ever Paskuhan celebration on December 3, transforming the Smith Hall corridors into Christmas displays inspired by cultures from around the world.

Judges from the College of Architecture and Fine Arts evaluated the floor-wide installations using criteria prepared by CASS culture coordinator Mr. Daniel Dizon and the Office of the Dean, guided by the event’s theme, “PASKUHAN SA CASS 2025: Christmas from around the world!”

At least half of all materials used in the decorations were required to be recycled and each setup designed to last two weeks, a rule intended to promote sustainability while encouraging the creativity of students and faculty members who collaborated on the designs.

Each floor’s entry was judged based on Christmas festivity (35%), visual appeal and theme adherence (30%), creativity (25%), and overall impact (10%).

Moreover, lanterns submitted by student organizations were also assessed by an external panel using the same criteria.

The first floor, led by the General Education Department, featured an Africa-inspired theme, while the second floor, handled by the English Language Studies and Communication departments, showcased Europe and Asia-Pacific.

Meanwhile, the third floor, presented by the Psychology Department, highlighted Christmas traditions from the Americas.

CASS dean Dr. Brendalyn Manzano expressed pride in the college community for completing the event despite academic pressures.

“Without them [students] this would not be in reality… students really helped us, they helped us source out materials, and despite the very hectic schedule of the students combatting with the many academic tasks, academic requirements, still they spent much time helping out the faculty members,”  Dr Manzano said.

She also highlighted that for her every one of them are winners and that this CASS paskuhan is a reflection of the College’s missions with a unified goal, and one direction despite the many challenges that the event faced.

Meanwhile, CASS Governor Clarisse Dacanay highlighted how the celebration showcased the creativity of both students and faculty members.

“Nagkaroon ng ways yung students, as well as the faculty, naging hands-on sa pag-decorate ng Smith Hall. And kahit finals season, mas nabuhay ang diwa ng mga students… parang yung bakasyon mismo lumapit sa Smith Hall. Doon nag-reflect yung culture natin as a college that is full of arts,” she shared.

Furthermore, Noreen Soliven, a Faculty of the ELS department, narrated how this journey acted as an eye-opener for her.

“Because if you think about ELS students dapat they are good in words, in literary and maybe in non-literary, but then again you see that they have other talents—na inexpect mo in an ELS students… Mayroon din pala silang creative side, nakitaan ko sila ng talents,” she said.

The CASS paskuhan 2025 is expected to become an annual celebration in the college showcasing CASSmates’ creativity and resourcefulness.