The annual Pistang Tomas organized by the UST SIMBAHAYAN Community Development Office is held not only to allow partner communities to showcase their best produce, but also to engage the Thomasian community, the students in particular, in the University’s community development efforts.
From February 11 to 14, 2020, 19 partner communities took part in the 2020 Pistang Tomas held at the Quadricentennial Square. Vice Rector for Religious Affairs Rev. Fr. Pablo T. Tiong, O.P., visited the stalls, while SIMBAHAYAN Director Prof. Arvin Eballo, EdD, and Asst. Director Asst. Prof. Froilan Alipao and the college-based Community Development Coordinators were also present.
Farmers and representatives of the partner communities sold local products such as root crops, fruits and vegetables, food and delicacies, accessories, materials, and other products native to their communities. Another participant offered therapeutic massage. One of the frequently visited stalls was the ‘all-day-champorado’ sold by the Kalinga Unoy Rice Farmers Association.
Participating partner communities were: Brgy. Ariendo, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija; Brgy. Buenavista, Nagcarlan, Laguna; Sitio Galilee, Brgy. San Jose, Antipolo City, Rizal; Jubilee Homes, Brgy. Lumangbayan, Plaridel, Bulacan; Brgy. Kanluran Kabubuhayan, Nagcarlan, Laguna; Kasiglahan Village, Brgy. San Jose Rodriguez, Rizal; Sitio Layak, Brgy. Anupul, Bamban, Tarlac; Sitio Mainit, Brgy. San Jose, Antipolo City, Rizal; North Triangle Alliance, Montalban Heights, Brgy. San Jose Rodriguez, Rizal.
Also taking part were representatives from: Sitio Parapal, Brgy. Mabiga Hermosa, Bataan; Brgy. Pugad Island, Hagonoy Bulacan; Brgy. Sibulan, Nagcarlan, Laguna; Sitio Buok, Brgy. Sto. Niño, Bamban, Tarlac; Sitio Santa Rosa, Brgy. Sto. Niño, Bamban, Tarlac; Ministry of Urban Poor Massage Therapy; Fellowship for the Care of Creation Association, Inc.; Holy Spirit Social Center, Inc., Quezon City; Cooperative of Women in Health and Development; and Kalinga Unoy Rice Farmers Association.
