Boac, Marinduque, Philippines — Marinduque State University, the lone state university at the Heart of the Philippines, unveiled on December 19, 2025, its institutional icon that celebrates the essence of true Marinduqueño identity: Ang Manunubong.
This sculptural masterpiece is imbued with the deepest homegrown sentiments – “a spirit of warmth that welcomes every guest as family, and a joy that celebrates life’s milestones manifested through the time-honored and cherished ritual of Putong or Tubong”.
The event was a fitting occasion to honor members of the MarSU family with this traditional ritual that recognized several of MarSU’s recent retirees, as well as express the institution’s gratitude to the valuable contributions and achievements of its faculty, partners, stakeholders, sponsors and cooperators, particularly for the success of the recently concluded STRASUC Olympics 2025 among others.
The inauguration thus celebrates the union of heritage and artistry – through the work of Sculptor Cameron Castrillo, heir to the sculptural legacy of his uncle, renowned constructivist sculptor Eduardo Castrillo – a symbol that honors our past while inspiring our future. With pride and gratitude, the humble act of Pagpuputong or Pagtutubong has been elevated into a timeless work of art.
Marinduque State University has indeed unveiled a new landmark that will stand as a reminder of what defines a true Marinduqueño: welcoming, celebratory, and deeply rooted in tradition.
Let us all welcome this sculptural icon – a beacon of identity, culture, and pride for Marinduque and the Filipino nation.
[J. Breganza]#EmpoweringMindsTransformingLives #MarinduqueStateUniversity #SDG4QualityEducation
