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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.

Related SDGs
  • 4

    Goal 4: Quality Education

  • 17

    Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals

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CLSU Partners with CAFLI for Community Extension Program

Central Luzon State University (CLSU), through the College of Engineering - Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (DABE) and the Center for Renewable Energy and Technology (CREaTe), formalized a collaborative partnership with Circula Alternative Fuels Luzon, Inc. (CAFLI), Infinity Vista Properties Corp. (IVP), and the Municipality of Anao, Tarlac through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) held on July 28, 2026. CLSU will serve as a research arm of CAFLI’s Corporate Social Responsibility, which includes designing a 1,000 sqm greenhouse demo farm that utilizes vertical aquaponics and other innovative, sustainable, and resource-efficient agricultural technologies that enhance agricultural productivity, optimize resource utilization, and promote climate resilience. The partnership aims to advance sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and research-driven innovation through collaborative research, technology demonstration, and community extension initiatives, Leading the MOU signing were University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella and Mr. Alastair Gillespie, President of CAFLI. As a testament to its commitment, Mr. Obi Mbakwe, Operations Manager of CAFLI, stated that their corporation will provide an annual research grant of P200,000.00 to BSABE students for an initial period of three years, with the intention of sustaining the program beyond its initial term. #SievingForExcellence

Jul. 30, 2026

CHED Region III Brings Scholarship Caravan to CLSU

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office III successfully conducted its Information Caravan at Central Luzon State University (CLSU) on July 28, delivering crucial, targeted updates on government-funded academic opportunities designed for both undergraduate students and university employees. The event was organized as an immediate response to a request from the university to bring crucial details regarding government-funded educational opportunities directly to the campus community. During the opening remarks, Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco, Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized that education serves as a powerful tool for transforming lives and building a better future. She noted that while financial hurdles often complicate the pursuit of higher degrees, scholarships reward students who possess merit, potential, and a willingness to work hard. CHED Regional Director Dr. Maura Consolacion D. Cristobal explained that the caravan aims to deliver "pag-asa" (hope) to students facing financial deficits, particularly those managing high living and commuting expenses despite the availability of free tuition. The caravan highlighted several undergraduate and institutional grants under CHED's "ACHIEVE" national agenda, focusing primarily on advanced, accessible lifelong learning and efficient public service. For more details, visit the CHED Region 3 page at https://www.facebook.com/CHEDRegionalOffice3.

Jul. 29, 2026

CLSU, NAPC, UMANE Hold Symposium and Policy Forum on Food Security

The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) and the Utak Magsasaka Novo Ecijano (UMANE), in collaboration with Central Luzon State University (CLSU), convened a Symposium and Policy Forum on the Right to Adequate Food: Policy, Practice, and Human Dignity today, July 28, at the University Auditorium. The event gathered over 350 farmers, agricultural representatives, students, partner organizations, and guests who were eager to explore updated agricultural policies, legislation, best practices, and support programs of the government for Filipino farmers. Specifically, the event analyzed the policy framework and provided a direct platform for smallholder farmers and basic sectors to articulate structural challenges regarding market access, fair pricing, and production inputs; leveraged CLSU’s research in climate-resilient agriculture, biotechnology, and sustainable farming systems to offer scalable solutions; and to formulate a multi-sectoral "Nueva Ecija Declaration on the Right to Adequate Food" to serve as a policy brief for local and national lawmakers. During the opening program, CLSU President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella reaffirmed the university’s dedication to farmers as primary stakeholders. "This symposium is both timely and significant because it provides a venue where policymakers, researchers, agricultural experts, community leaders, and farmers can engage in meaningful dialogue. More importantly, it creates an opportunity to share ideas and recommendations that truly address the needs of our community. As a premier agricultural university, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing research, innovation, and extension programs that contribute directly to sustainable agricultural and rural development." Representing Nueva Ecija Governor Hon. Aurelio M. Umali as a keynote speaker, Atty. Jose Maria Caesar C. San Pedro highlighted key provincial initiatives, including the P20-per-kilo rice program, the promotion of biochar technology, and direct rice purchasing from local farmers. He emphasized that these programs aim to put people at the center of agricultural growth: "Ang tunay na sukatan ng ating tagumpay ay hindi lamang kung gaano karaming palay, sibuyas, o gulay ang ating naaani. Ang sukatan ay kung ang mga magsasaka ay may disenteng kita, kung ang bawat pamilya ay may sapat at masustansyang pagkain, at kung ang ating agricultural abundance ay nagiging oportunidad, seguridad, at dignidad para sa ating mga mamamayan,” he added. Distinguished guests and dignitaries in attendance included NAPC Lead Convenor Sec. Lope B. Santos III; Science City of Muñoz Mayor Hon. Baby Armi L. Alvarez, represented by OIC Municipal Agriculturist Mr. Leonel P. Parugrug; Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 3 Regional Technical Director for Operations Dr. Arthur D. Dayrit; former CLSU President and current Umane, Inc. President Dr. Rodolfo C. Undan; and Philippine Carabao Center Executive Director III Dr. Liza G. Battad.

Jul. 28, 2026

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Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines 3120
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