Faith, History, and Heritage: The Inaugural Linğay Professorial Lecture
Despite the inclement weather, more than 400 participants gathered at the Sison Auditorium, Lingayen, Pangasinan, today, August 17, 2026, for the inaugural Ling̃áy Professorial Lecture, a meaningful gathering dedicated to the history, faith, and heritage of Pangasinan.
Held in celebration of National History Month and in anticipation of the Centennial Anniversary of the Diocese of Lingayen (1928–2028), the inaugural lecture brought together clergy, religious leaders, educators, students, researchers, heritage advocates, and communities in a shared effort to understand, appreciate, and preserve Pangasinan’s rich ecclesiastical heritage.
Participants were welcomed by Hon. Governor Ramon V. Guico III, duly represented by Atty. Ronn Dale Castillo, Executive Assistant III, who delivered the welcome message.
Meanwhile, Most Rev. Socrates B. Villegas, D.D., Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, reflected on the significance of holding a lecture on Pangasinan Church History amid the rains and floods surrounding the province in his inspirational message:
“The inclement weather did not stop you from thanking the Lord for this day. I believe it is providential that we have this professorial lecture on Church History in Pangasinan, with floods and rains around us, because the history of Pangasinan cannot be written without the saltwater of Lingayen Gulf and the fresh water of Agno River. There can be no history of Pangasinan, there can be no story of Pangasinan, without water. Salt and water are intricately woven into the story of our Province.”
His words beautifully captured the profound connection between Pangasinan’s natural landscape and its history, a province shaped by waters that have sustained its communities, influenced its livelihoods, and become an enduring part of its collective story.
The lecture featured two distinguished speakers. Prof. Regalado Trota Jose Jr., Chairman of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, delivered the keynote speech, “Church Art and Architecture of the Spanish Period: The Cultural Heritage of the Old Diocese of Lingayen.” Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Wilhelm Boñon, OP, Provincial Archivist of the Dominican Province of the Philippines, delivered the plenary lecture, “The Dominicans in Pangasinan: Tracing the Two Waves of the Dominican Mission Expansion in Pangasinan (1587–1627).” The session was followed by an open forum.
The event was made possible through the partnership of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan and the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, with the support and participation of clergy, religious leaders, educators, students, researchers, heritage advocates, and communities from across Pangasinan.
More than a lecture, the inaugural Ling̃áy Professorial Lecture marked the beginning of a continuing conversation on Pangasinan’s history and heritage—honoring the past, deepening our understanding of the present, and preserving our shared heritage for generations to come.
A meaningful beginning to a continuing journey of faith, history, and heritage.
/CJVV & KJCM
