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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Achievement Unlocked: The Story of a ‘Golden’ Graduate

Feb. 21, 2024

StratCom | SCO

“Akala ko noon wala nang pag-asa, pero nakita ko na madami pa palang pwedeng mangyari at pwedeng magawa. Maniwala at magtiwala ka lang dahil habang may pangarap tayo, may pag-asa.” Hope, determination, and faith in life are the things Ms. Lourdes G. Cruz held onto to fulfill her dream of having a college degree at the age of 50. She received her diploma as one of the 594 graduates during the 33rd Midyear Commencement Exercises last February 16, 2024 through the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) offered by Central Luzon State University. Accompanied by her 90-year-old father, Mr. Aquilio Cruz patiently waited for her daughter as her name was called to receive her diploma in Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education. “Sinama ko yung tatay ko kasi gusto kong iparanas sa kanya yung pakiramdam na meron syang anak na nakatapos ng kolehiyo,” Cruz added being the first child to finish a college degree as a tribute to her parents, especially her proud father. Lourdes faced many challenges as a single working mother but she didn't let those hindrances stop her to dream while supporting his son to also finish his education, who eventually became an engineer and now a faculty of the College of Engineering. “Napagtapos ko na yung anak ko kahit single mom ako, kaya sabi ko sa sarili ko after niya makatapos ng pag-aaral, ako naman,” Lourdes declares as she believed that education is the key to success and refuses to give up on her dream of obtaining a college degree. With the support of her son and her determination, Ms. Cruz proved that age is just a number and achieving one's dreams has no definite timeline. CLSU - ETEEAP offers an alternative education delivery mode and promotes access to continuing quality higher education of Filipinos through an effective system of academic equivalency and accreditation of prior learning from relevant work experiences. For more information, visit the ETEEAP office or contact them thru eteeap@clsu.edu.ph.

Other Stories

CLSU, SCNU Strengthen Ties through Joint Research and Dual Degree Initiatives

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) and Sunchon National University (SCNU) are advancing plans to establish a joint research facility on the CLSU campus and to develop a dual degree program, following a successful collaboration meeting held on April 27, 2026. This strategic engagement was made possible through SCNU's invitation and sponsorship, reflecting the strong commitment of both institutions to deepening academic cooperation. Building on the success of the King Sejong Institute (KSI) Muñoz, this collaboration between CLSU and SCNU utilizes a transnational framework to drive knowledge exchange and elevate the global competitiveness of both institutions. The CLSU delegation, led by Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco, included Acting Dean of the College of Agriculture Dr. Jayson J. Juan; Division Chief of Mobility and Intercultural Exchange and Head of the Office for Learning Outcomes and Innovation Dr. Emil F. Ubaldo; and Academic Affairs Program Secretary Asst. Prof. Patricia Anne M. Martinez. The delegation met with SCNU President Lee Byung-won and key university officials, including Dean of the International Affairs Office, Prof. Dr. Seo Kangseok; Dean of the Green Smart Farm School, Prof. Dr. Kim Hang-Hoon; and Research Professor, Dr. Pak Mijoon, to finalize the details of the collaboration. The partnership forms part of SCNU’s participation in the South Korean government’s “Glocal University 30” project, underscoring a shared commitment to internationalization and academic mobility. While both institutions are already aligning their resources to support these initiatives, full implementation will proceed upon completion of the required administrative formalities by both universities.

Apr. 28, 2026

CLSU Delegates Dominate PSABE 2026 National Convention

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) once again demonstrated its dominance in the field of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) after its delegation of students and professionals secured major awards during the 75th Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (PSABE) National Annual Convention held at Koronadal City, South Cotabato from April 20-24, 2026. The event, which coincided with the 37th Philippine Agricultural Engineering Week and the 22nd International Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Conference and Exhibition, saw CLSU emerge as a powerhouse, culminating in the university being named the Most Outstanding PPG (Student) Chapter. During the convention, the CLSU Pre-Professional Group (PPG) showcased technical expertise and teamwork, securing top spots in the following events: Quiz Bee Champions: • Henry B. Tamayo • Hex Neo B. Delos Ama, and • Grinnel R. Galan Lights Camera Convention Winner: • Alyssa Grace I. Dumlao Agricultural Machine Parts Identification (2nd Place): • Jamil E. Austria CAD Challenge (2nd Place): • Lleven Trinidad ABEmazing Race (3rd Place): • Trishia Leigh P. Quinto • Pouleen C. Dela Cruz • Gian Carlo Ocfemia • Glenn Mark Rala, and • Scent Lander Casita Thesis Undergraduate Presentation (3rd Place): • Patrick Anthony Jeminez Meanwhile, in professional activities, CLSU faculty and staff researchers also earned two 1st Place finishes in the Technical Paper Presentation category: Agricultural and Biosystems Land and Water Resources Engineering, Soil and Water Conservation Engineering, Aquaculture Engineering, Agrometeorology, and Irrigation and Drainage Engineering Category: • 1st Place: Advancing Climate-Smart Sugarcane Production: Solar-Powered Automated Irrigation System in Low-Yielding Sra-blocked Farms By: Eleazar Ranese Jr., Marvin M. Cinense, Laverne Olalia, and John Paulo C. Sacdalan, Precious Joan Sibulburo, Silvester Badua, Reniel Leron, Abdullah Meriales, Jerome Cabuloy, Nikko Salamanca, Jeffrey Blanca, Jian Michael Castillo, Fernando Mauro, and Armando Espino Jr. Agricultural and Biosystems (AB) Machinery and Power, Farm Mechanization, and Renewable Energy Category • 1st Place: Development of Rotary Dryer-Cleaner Machine for Rice Hull and Litter Material for Broiler Breeder Production By: Rolando Almerol, Marvin Cinense, Ruel Peneyra, Carolyn Grace Almerol, and Jamal Omar Sarangani. Furthermore, the convention also honored CLSU leaders who served the national organization with distinction. Dr. John Paulo C. Sacdalan was given the Distinguished Service Award for his term as the PSABE National President (2025-2026). Similarly, Ms. Honey Grace Timbang received the Service Award for her leadership as the PSABE-PPG President for the same period. The massive haul of awards reaffirms CLSU’s status as a premier institution for Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, consistently producing top-tier professionals and innovative research that contribute to the nation's agricultural modernization.

Apr. 27, 2026

CLSU Bulls Rodeo Team Dominates National Finals, Shatters Stereotypes

The CLSU Bulls Rodeo Team, composed of 11 Students from the College of Agriculture (CAg), 3 from the College of Veterinary Science and Medicine (CVSM), and 1 from CLTL – Agricultural Science and Technology School, displayed exceptional skills and grit at the 30th Philippine National Rodeo Finals in Masbate City, held last April 10–19, 2026. Outperforming competitors from across the country, the team secured multiple awards and redefined the role of women in the traditionally male-dominated sport. Led by Ms. Christel Mae G. Firme and Ms. Rizza Mae B. Matutino, the squad's dominance across various events earned them the title of Overall Champion in the Student Category (Women). The winners are: • Whip Cracking (Men): Quer L. Catalon • Whip Cracking (Women): Christel Mae G. Firme • Lassoing on Horseback: Christel Mae G. Firme • Wrestling on Foot (Women): Rizza Mae B. Matutino • 2-Person Carambola (Women): Ryza V. Malong and Christel Mae G. Firme • Casting Down (Women): Ryza V. Malong, Mary Ann A. Valdez, Ma. Janela A. Fernando, and Christel Mae G. Firme • Overall Champion: Student Category (Women) The team’s success highlights CLSU students' ability to balance rigorous academics with national-level sports. The team was guided by dedicated faculty and staff, including their Manager, Dr. Christian C. Santos (CVSM Faculty); Coaches, Dan Charlie Joy C. Pangilinan and Kier G. Santiago (CAg Faculty); and Trainer, Mr. Clodualdo Firme.

Apr. 27, 2026

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