In celebration of Dumaguete City's 75th Diamond Jubilee, Prof. Josefino
“Penn” Tulabing Larena Jr. was rightfully nominated for the Most Outstanding Dumagueteño Award—a
recognition befitting a man whose life and work have been passionately
dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the city’s arts, culture,
heritage, tourism, and civic pride.
For more than two decades, Penn Larena has stood
as one of Dumaguete’s most tireless cultural champions. Through photo exhibits,
heritage seminars, festivals, mural installations, historic clean-up campaigns,
and educational initiatives, he has led efforts that strengthened local
identity, bridged generational knowledge, and illuminated the rich soul of the
city for locals and visitors alike.
His notable
achievements in the field of arts, culture, and heritage include:
1.
Chairman of the
“Handumanan sa Dumaguete” Photo Exhibit (2012), a signature cultural
event for National Heritage Month that captured and celebrated the timeless
story of Dumaguete through powerful visuals.
2.
A vital member of the Heritage Exhibit Booth Committee at the Buglasan
Festival (2006–2014), where he brought the city’s past to life at Negros
Oriental’s grandest cultural showcase.
3.
President of the
Negros Oriental Alliance of Culture & Arts Advocates (NOACAA-INC),
a dynamic organization committed to regional cultural advancement.
4.
Delegate to prestigious cultural gatherings including
the 10th International Conference on
Philippine Studies (2016) and the 2017 West Visayas Regional Museum Congress, where he
carried Dumaguete’s cultural voice to national and international forums.
5.
Organizer and
lecturer at the Second History
of Dumaguete Seminar (2015), fostering public understanding and pride
in the city’s heritage.
6.
Key member of the Organizing Committee for National Heritage Month in Dumaguete
(2011–2015), aligning local celebrations with the national heritage movement.
7.
Spearheaded clean-up
and preservation efforts for Dumaguete’s monuments and public plazas
since 2014—ensuring that historical landmarks remain living testaments to the
city’s past.
8.
Philatelic
Exhibit Lead for the Dumaguete Stamp Club (2021), where he curated
rare stamps featuring Filipino and American themes, linking global narratives
with local history.
9.
Provincial Coordinator
for National Indigenous Peoples Month (2005), honoring cultural
diversity and uplifting indigenous traditions across the province.
10. Instrumental
in the beautification and restoration of
the American Cemetery and the annual
celebration of Philippine-American Friendship Day—a solemn tribute to
shared histories.
Beyond these core achievements, Larena has
continuously extended his influence:
·
First
Chairman of the City’s Historical & Heritage Committee, where he
authored the key communication that re-established the City Heritage Council.
·
Served in
the Dumaguete City Tourism Council from 2001 to 2018, playing a
crucial role in major cultural and tourism initiatives.
·
Founded the Buglas Reading & Writers Club, now nationally
affiliated with NARA (National Alliance of Reading Advocates).
·
Vice
President and former Assistant Treasurer of the Dumaguete Festival
& Arts Society Inc.
·
Active in Flores
de Mayo / Santacruzan from 1999 to 2008.
·
Delegate to the CCP Regional Dance Workshops in 2003 and 2005,
supporting the flourishing of local dance traditions.
·
Member of the Kalsa Restoration Committee under the Perdices
Administration.
·
Current moderator of the Paulinian Arts Society, Dumaguete’s
oldest art club.
·
Curator and host of Art Talks with local artists, creating platforms for
dialogue and creativity.
·
Committee
member of the 2024 Capitol
Building Centennial Celebration.
·
Longtime member of the Silliman University Church History Committee
(2002–present).
·
A restablished founding member of the Order of the Knights of Rizal in Negros Oriental,
perpetuating national values in local contexts.
Through
his unwavering devotion, Penn T. Larena has not only safeguarded Dumaguete’s
cultural treasures but also ignited a collective passion among citizens to
honor their heritage. His legacy is written not only in documents, exhibits,
and restored landmarks—but in the very heart of Dumaguete itself.
Negrense Poet
20 years as a Social Sciences Professor
27 years as a Heritage Tour Guide
27 Cultural Heritage Advocate
27 Civic Leader
Fourth Degree KGOR -Order of the Knights of Rizal
Negrense Historian
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