Passing by ASIST

Passing by ASIST

(Originally published as a note)

The Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology is a pride of our town Lagangilang and even the entire Northern Luzon. But we were never given the chance to explore this historic place when we were younger. Although we were always at the oval during town fiestas,  since it is where the parade starts and stops, we didn't have time to go back to this place again after graduating from high school.

After a few decades, we finally had the chance to explore and know more about this well - known institution. 

We got to see the hanging bridge that stood the test of time. (Unfortunately, we don't have a photo), the deserted and dilapidated cottages and ruins gave us goosebumps especially after hearing that some of the old buildings are rumored to be haunted and several students were said to be possessed by spirit, ghosts and ghouls. But not even the ghosts of the ancestors of the former owners nor the restless spirits of the long dead former occupants stopped us from quenching our thirst in wanting to know more about the history of this school.

The cottages were given to educators and very few were renovated since they know that someday, they will leave their assigned abode or it will end up being demolished. (Hopefully, they'll start building cottages that will also last for a very long time) 

 

For those who live here or who frequent this place, the old buildings and other landmarks may not mean much but for those who seldom see the place, ASIST seems like a gateway to a mysterious past. Though it is sad to see debris of abandoned buildings like the Paredes Girls’ Dorm, they still stand there as reminders of a glorious past and a rich heritage. The ground of an old cottage that is barely standing was reportedly dug with the belief that Yamashita’s treasure was buried there. The amphitheatre made famous by Tikong and Tikang is just waiting to be used again. The famous nuang is still there, and the mango orchard is surely a silent witness to young love, heartbreaks, happy and sad times.

 

This place is also the lung of Lagangilang. It has a mini forest which makes the place conducive for learning and a great place for relaxation.

 

This former kingdom of the Tinguians is so rich. Aside from the vast rice lands, it also boasts of a fish pond, a goatery, poultry, forestry and gardens. We were told that there were horses here before so there should be a barn or a stable here somewhere. 

 

This place has a potential to be a semi UP. Vacant lots and buildings can be leased to business institutions to generate more income. But budget allocations of  state colleges and universities were lessened so this might take time to happen.

The place may just be a shadow of its former glory but it definitely produced lots of successful people.

 

And though it took a long time for us to see the beauty of this place, we are thankful that we were given the chance to experience it. Truly, our town is blessed by having a learning institution like ASIST.