As early as the 1930s, there had been attempts by Pampango-speaking students at the University of the Philippines to form a Capampangan organization on campus. But the dream did not become reality until 1971, when another move to organize was initiated.

A group of Capampangan members of Lakas Diwa, an organization that aimed to promote the development of Pilipino, formed the idea of establishing an organization that would focus on their local language, Pampango.

Led by Eduardo Cunan, an architecture student, a university wide recruitment was launched. Seventy students heeded the call and formed U.P. AGUMAN, which meant 'gathering' or 'group' in Pampango. A constitution was framed, and an election followed. Eduardo Cunan was chosen president. Among the members were Aida Alejandrino, Rommel Calilung, Danilo Galang, Eleanor Manansala, Ernesto Mangune, Constancia Quiambao, Socorro Ruiz, Tita Ruiz, Marian Santos, Milagros Santos and Josie Sicat.

Photo: Aguman President Rommel Calilung, left, greets new inductee Ways and Means Committee chair Noel Sanchez, the recipient of the Most Outstanding Member award. Click on the picture for a larger version.

The early '70s was a tumultuous time for the country and the University. Protests against the government of Ferdinand E. Marcos were rampant and the Diliman campus became a citadel of alternative education and rallies. On February 1-9, 1971, students and faculty members set up barricades: first on the main avenue, later on the steps of the administration building. They declared the area the "Diliman Commune." On September 21, 1972, Marcos declared Martial Law.

The events had an enormous impact on the fledgling organization. Because of the unrest, members failed to have the organization recognized. The submitted records were lost at the Office of Student Affairs. soon, the members graduated, others left the university.

In 1973, some members of the original group -- Rommel Calilung, Ernesto Mangune, Danilo Galang and Marian Santos -- spearheaded a move to revive the U.P. AGUMAN. Again, they called on the Capampangans on campus. Having learned from experience that quality was better than quantity, they limited the number of members by subjecting applicants to a series of interviews, talent presentations, examinations and initiation rites. 

Photo: Priscilla Francisco, in a pink gown, waits for Noel Sanchez to finish signing the "Blood Compact." The other two members are not identified. Please click on picture for a larger version.

One weekend, the group met at the San Fernando, Pampanga residence of Marian and Meliza Santos and framed the Aguman Constitution, defining their objectives. Putting the organization above individuals, they adopted 'Non Nobis Solum,' which mean 'Not for ourselves alone', as their motto. Ernesto Mangune was tasked to formulate the Aguman Creed:

I believe in truth 
and in truth I will walk the earth 
I have faith in man 
and mankind I will serve 
I cherish kinship 
and kinship will be my way of life 
I will live not for myself alone 
Forever in the UP AGUMAN I will belong

Humor was in no short supply, and the young organization adopted the battle cry: "Queng leon, queng tigre ecu tatacut, queca pa (If I do not fear the lion or the tiger, why should I fear you)?" In the area near the Psychology Department, on the third floor of the Arts and Sciences building, they created a tambayan where members found solace and camaraderie.

Photo: First Aguman Induction of Officers at Marites Paras' home in Villa Teresa: (L-R) Marites Paras, Rachel Romero, Marian Santos, Meliza Santos, Helmie Bituin, Noel Sanchez and Fiscal Paras, Marites's father.

University recognition was the group's main goal. Political events threatened to derail the organization again. Marcos had dissolved all student organizations, including the UP Student Council. A quasi-council called Consultative Committee on Student Affairs (CONCOMSA) took over the USC's functions. All organizations seeking recognition underwent rigid scrutiny by the Office of Student Affairs because of the government's ban on groups with possible subversive leanings. Noble intentions prevailed, however, and on December 12, 1973, the UP AGUMAN was given due recognition by then-Dean of Student Affairs Armando J. Malay. The dream of an organization celebrating the same tongue and the same proud Capampangan culture had become a reality. 

Photo: Induction of batches 74A and 74B

In the summer of the following year, 21 charter members and members of the first two batches -- 74A and 74B -- were inducted into the organization. The first president, Rommel Calilung, and the first officers were sworn into office on April 15, 1974 at the Villa Teresa residence of Marites Paras. Pampanga Vice Governor Cicero Punsalan, the guest speaker, became the organization's first honorary member. UP Engineering instructor Evangel Quiwa was named the group's adviser. In a ritual that would be handed down to generations of members, the founders signed their names in blood. 

CHARTER OFFICERS AND MEMBERS 
Rommel M. Calilung, president 
Ernesto U. Magune, vice president 
Mercedes G. de Vera, secretary 
Ma. Teresa T. Paras, treasurer 
Rachel M. Romero, auditor 
Danilo V. Galang, P.R.O. 
Marian M. Santos, business manager 
Noel S. Sanchez, chair of Ways and Means Committee 
Renan M. del Rosario, chair of Educational Committee 
Froilan M. Panlilio, chair of Cultural Committee 
Helmelito D. Bituin, chair of Social Committee 
Meliza M. Santos, chair of Food Committee 

Elizabeth J. Castro 
Florante O. Centeno 
Priscilla T. Francisco 
Isosceles G. Garbes (alumnus) 
Ma. Teresa G. Palo 
Gene O. Pangilinan 
Oscar P. Petelo 
Olga G. Seng 
Edwin T. Tizon

Batch 74A 
Edwin R. Arceo 
Emerico O. de Guzman 
Froilan D. Tinio

Batch 74B
Faina C. Abaya 
Carolina Briones 
Debbie P. Castillo 
Renato Cerdena 
Lily E. Demagante 
Belen S. Manalo 
Lucila F. Naguit 
Rossana D. Santos 
Ronaldo P. Tiotuico 
Fe B. Victoria 
Belinda V. Yap

AWARDEES
Noel S. Sanchez, most outstanding member 
Belinda V. Yap, most outstanding applicant 
Lily E. Demagante, outstanding applicant 
Belen S. Manalo, outstanding applicant

Since its recognition, the U.P. AGUMAN has initiated several activities aimed at serving the needs of Filipinos, particularly in Pampanga. In 1974, OPERATION SAUP, a relief giving activity, was undertaken to alleviate the sufferings of homeless flood victims of Pampanga.

Hoping to do its part in boosting the educational morale of the students of Pampanga and to promote camaraderie among students of the different schools, U.P. AGUMAN launched PAUTAKAN '74, a province-wide inter-high school quiz contest. The brainchild of Danilo Galang, PAUTAKAN was the very first project of the Educational Committee headed by Renan del Rosario. The first PAUTAKAN was held at the Holy Family Auditorium in Angeles City. The now-famous revolving trophy went to the first champions, Sacred Heart Seminary. The tournament has become a much-awaited annual activity in Pampanga.

(Photos on this page courtesy of Helmie Bituin, charter member, and wife Louise Salta-Bituin, '74C.)

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