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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

Comm. Apag Presides 1st CLSU BOR Meeting Under Pres. Abella’s Term; Commends University Accomplishments

Commissioner Desiderio R. Apag III, the newly appointed Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), presided his first Board of Regents (BOR) meeting with Central Luzon State University (CLSU) on April 1, 2025 held at the CHEd Building in Diliman, Quezon City. As the new BOR Chair of CLSU, Commissioner Apag actively participated in discussions concerning the university’s progress and future initiatives. During the Chairperson’s Time, Dr. Apag outlined his priority projects, focusing on the digitization of CHEd operations. Key initiatives include the automation of travel authority requests for international engagements and the development of a comprehensive profiling system for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). With his expertise in computer engineering, he emphasized the importance of streamlining transactions between CHEd and SUCs to enhance efficiency and accessibility. Meanwhile, CLSU President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella presented the university’s accomplishments, highlighting international rankings and accreditations, student and faculty achievements, technologies generated, and revenue generation efforts. Commending CLSU’s remarkable progress, Commissioner Apag expressed particular appreciation for a plastic bottle sorting machine developed by CLSU Information Technology (IT) students, noting its potential community impact. He emphasized his keen interest in technology-driven innovations that benefit society and encouraged further advancements in this area. Also present at the meeting were BOR members Dr. Roy Searca Jose P. Dela Cruz, Mr. Dharcel B. Parungao, Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat, Dr. Danilo S. Vargas, Mr. Reiner Andres, Congressman Joseph Gilbert Violago, representing Congressman Mark O. Go, and Dr. Lora Yusi, permanent resource person. #QualityEducation #SievingforExcellence

Apr. 04, 2025

CVSM Students Clinch Gold in the Nat’l Round-Up Competition

Three students from the College of Veterinary Science and Medicine (CVSM) bagged the championship during the 26th National Round-Up Competition held at Benguet State University on March 29, 2025. The team, composed of Xyrk Lynx Doctor, Joshua Lawrence Palma, and John King Valdez, showed an impressive intellectual performance, marking a remarkable comeback after finishing only on the second podium in last year’s competition. The team won a 35,000 pesos cash prize, plaque, and subscription to an educational website for board preparation after besting 45 participants from 9 participating universities. They were mentored and guided by their coaches and CVSM faculty namely, Dr. Phebe Valdez and Dr. Errol Jay Balagan. The National Round-Up Quiz Contest is an annual academic quiz competition that gathers state universities offering veterinary programs from across the Philippines to assess their knowledge and skills, an initiative spearheaded by the Rodeo Club. #LifeonLand #SievingForExcellence

Apr. 03, 2025

CHSI Faculty Wins 2025 BCYF Innovation Award

Dr. Dana G. Vera Cruz, a faculty researcher from the College of Home Science and Industry (CHSI), was honored with the 2025 Benita & Catalino Yap Foundation (BCYF) Innovation Award on March 28, 2025, for her groundbreaking work in developing Daerry’s Tilapia Ice Cream and cookies. The Daerry's Tilapia Ice Cream and Cookies is a unique dessert combining steamed and roasted tilapia flakes with the creamy richness of carabao’s milk, offering a high-protein but free from the fishy aftertaste. This targets to address the declining fish consumption among children and provides a creative solution to malnutrition and undernourishment. Dr. Vera Cruz expressed her appreciation for this recognition, noting that the award signifies her commitment to making a positive impact within the food industry and advancing toward a sustainable and healthier future. “Winning the BCYF Innovation Award reinforces our mission to continue to transform research into meaningful impact. It’s a reminder that innovation thrives where passion meets purpose,” said Dr. Vera Cruz. The Award is part of BCYF’s Comprehensive Social Development Program, which consists of Research, Education, Events, and Developmental Social Enterprise. It highlights the dedication to leveraging science and creativity to foster and improve nutrition to support sustainable practices and local farmers. #SievingForExcellence

Apr. 03, 2025

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