Our Story
“TILIPUNAN” – a history of a dream come true
“Tilipunan” is
An embodiment of the commitment to “share with others and serve with love”
An Affirmation of the belief that development is the concern of all;
An avenue for giving freely of one’s talents, expertise and resources;
An opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.
“Tilipunan” aims
To help improve the quality of human life in its various dimensions. Specifically, it needs to:
Provide a focal point for community life; establish effective linkages between the community and other entities concerned with social welfare and services; provide health care services; provide legal assistance; provide non-formal education so that adults and out-of-school youth may acquire skills gainful employment; acquire literacy skills; acquire knowledge of nutrition, health and child care, as well as the skills and opportunities to implement such knowledge.
“Tilipunan” Serves
A depressed urban area in Tanza. Iloilo City. Initial emphasis is on the 12 barangays surrounding the center site namely:
Bagumbayan, Bonifacio Tanza, Esperanza, Hipodromo, Kahirupan
Rizal Estanzuela, San Agustin, Tanza Baybay, Timawa Tanza I, Timawa Tanza II
Villa Anita, Wilson
These barangays have a large number of greatly disadvantaged families.
In March 1980. Mrs. Ruth Tirol Cocjin. President of the Zonta Club of Ilolo accompanied by Dr. Ma. Leda R. Bautista, solicited from Fr. Eduardo Perez, Rector of the University of San Agustin. On April 12 Fr. Perez bluntly turned down the request explaining that he would prefer to help in a more meaningful way.
Further talk revealed that the three shared a common dream – a community center for the people of Tanza. That dream was the seed of what was to emerge as a joint project between the Zonta Club of Iloilo and the University of San Agustin. That dream was to be the life force of “Tilipunan”
Fr. Perez promised the University support for the building and the service programs of a community center provided the Zontians could secure a lot.
Shortly after, a suitable lot of approximately 240 square meters near the Tanza basketball court was found by Mrs. Cocjin and Zontian Mrs. Ester Aldeguer. Happily being City Governement property. Mayor Luis Herrera was in a position to support its use for a community center.
Toward the end of April, when Fr. Perez was informed of the available lot, the project was really on its way.
Dr. Bautista, Dean of the University of San Agustin Graduate School and Zontian, was appointed Project Chairman by Fr. Perez and Mrs. Cocjin, with the mandate to immediately spearhead the planning and organizing activities. Her first official act was to “baptize” the nascent center “Tilipunan” an Ilonggo word which means “a gathering place” thereby reflecting in name the spirit intended.
Fr. Perez ten requested Mr. Jose E. Hortillos a member of the University of San Agustin faculty, to prepare an architectural plan for a multi-purpose building. The design was formally unveiled on May 21, 1980 at the Tirol residence in Pavia.
The Sangguniang Panglungsod officially “loaned” the lot to the Zonta Club of Iloilo May 29, 1980, in a resolution sponsored by Kagawad Vilma Ybiernas-Paredes, also a faculty member of the University of San Agustin and a Zontian.
The following June was a hectic month. The steering committee was organized and the Zontains in it started to feel their way through uncharted terrain.
The Barangay Captains of 12 barangay in Tanza District were actively involved in the preliminary planning sessions. Thanks to the assistance of Kagawad Paredes.
The blueprints of the building were finalized. Mr. Manuel Arguelles and Mr. Paul Joseph Woo, both engineers and faculty members of the University of San Agustin, also volunteered their professional services.
With the assistance of City Engineer Fernando Imperial and his staff, everything was set for construction of the building to start. Mr. Hortillas was commissioned as supervising Architect. Donations in king from the Office of the Mayor. Office of the City Engineer, Ministry of Public Works and the Philippine Constabulary solicited by Zontian Atty. Evelyn J*z, Dr. Bautista and Mrs. Cocjin were a great help.
On July 6, 1980 the first spade was driven into the ground. The other phases of “Tilipunan” were attended to while construction work was going on.
Government and other private entities concerned with social welfare and services were tapped as cooperating agencies.
The various University of San Agustin units which could support service programs prepared their action agenda for implementation immediately upon completion of the building.
“Tilipunan” was inaugurated on Dec. 6, 1980, with Mayor Herrer as Guest of Honor. Mrs. O Herrera cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the center.
