HISTORIC TRANSFORMATION OF THE UNIVERSITY SEAL
The transformation of the PSU Seal to its present design is synchronized to the adjacent changes done in the Vision and Mission statements of the University. These initiatives made far reaching implication to likewise modify internal structures of the University as it adapts to the bolder challenge of its new institutional thrusts.
Both the changes in the institutional Vision and Mission and that of the University Seal were explored under the current administration of Dr. Dexter R. Buted, the Sixth President of the University.
SYMBOLISM OF THE NEW UNIVERSITY SEAL
References to the University Seal’s meaning and symbolism signify to the major elements and icons that apparently characterize its graphic design. These include the “colors” of the Seal and the “icons” embedded in its structure.
The University Seal was graphically designed such as to reflect comprehensively the highlights of the institution’s vision, mission, guiding philosophy, core values and mandated functions.
COLORS OF THE UNIVERSITY
The colors draping the University Seal are the official colors of Pangasinan State University namely, “Royal Blue” and “Golden Yellow”. These were the same official colors of the University perpetuated even across the evolution of the Seal’s design.
The tint of Royal Blue connects with the color of the sea, thereby pointing at the rich marine resources, livelihood and industries that are culturally associated with the Province of Pangasinan. It represents the University’s main thrust to provide Quality Education through its growing array of academic degree and non-formal programs.
The hue of Golden Yellow is an idyllic symbol of the bountiful harvest of palay and corn, among other staple agricultural produce of Pangasinan. It signifies Academic Freedom which is foremost upheld by the University. Mimicking the color of a burning flame, the Seal’s Golden Yellow also symbolizes the dynamic transformations in the history of the University’s unending perennial stride for excellence in all its services.
THE ICONS IN THE UNIVERSITY SEAL
The design of the PSU Seal strikes an impression of stark simplicity, with the presence of only a few icons that encompass a broad spectrum of symbolic references and interpretation.
The Seal is described accordingly: “Encasing the entirety of the Seal’s icons is a round crust of royal blue that bears in bold letters the institution’s name, Pangasinan State University, and the year that marks the commencement of its operation, i.e. 1979. Prominently placed as the central icon of the Seal is a robust lion. Above the lion as though overlooking it is a harmonious constellation of nine stars. At the base of the lion is a smoothly cradled lace with the inscription “Pilipinas”.
THE NINE STARS
The nine stars that are aligned in a dome-like formation symbolize the nine (9) geographic satellite campuses of the University at the time of the Seal’s formulation. The stellar constellation is ordered so as to form a dome which depicts the University as a home, and as such, a venue for the cultural, moral and intellectual formation of the youth mainly in the Philosophy and Core Values maintained by the University.
THE LAUREL LEAVES
The pair of laurel twigs with luscious leaves attached to them symbolizes the vitality and harmonious clustering of the University’s varied academic and non-formal program offerings. Across the variance in terms of their specialization, these program offerings are held together under the common Vision,Mission, Goals and Objectives of the University. The same thing goes in the operation of all the other services offered by the University.
THE LACE INSCRIBED WITH “PILIPINAS”
Gracefully draped at the base of the lion is a lace inscribed with the name of our country in its Filipino transcription, “Pilipinas”. This represents the general pursuits of the University not just to make a prominent mark as an institution in its provincial locale but to be a significant contributor to national pride and progress.
THE LION
On a general sense, the lion that figures prominently at the center of the Seal has a shape that bears analogous comparison to the geographic map of Pangasinan — the University’s locale.
More specifically, the lion being conventionally associated with meritorious traits is a synthesized symbolism of the positive characteristics that the University’s continuously attempts to imbibe. The lion is a symbol of agility and bravery from which the University takes its inspiration to be undaunted and courageous in the face of all its challenges and constraints.
Described as the “mightiest of the beasts” (Proverbs 30:30), it is analogous to the University’s efforts to sustain its strong and broad influence in society through the manifold services it offers. Referred to as the king of the jungle, PSU likewise asserts its supremacy as an educational service provider.
The powerful roar of the lion that can echo towards far distances signifies to the mileage in which PSU excels in its various forms of achievement that reaches in far reaching regions across the country and beyond.
The lion is a quadruped with its kingly stature supported by its four hardy legs as its faculty of locomotion. Analogously, the fourfold functions of PSU in Instruction, Research, Extension, and Production, are the bases upon which the University builds its accounts of accomplishment and advancement.
The upward pointed tail of the lion was figured to look analogous to that of a lighted torch, the latter being a famous and conventional symbol of education. Like a torch that is brightly aflame, education is a ray of hope sweeping away the darkness of ignorance to instill a culture of moral refinement and productivity that is democratically accessible, i.e. Education for all.
The lion’s foot aimed forward and looking engaged depicts the University’s eager initiatives for advancement and dynamism to adapt to the ever changing demands of culture and industries, ready to leap and pace in concert with the rest of ASEAN institutions.