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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

CBA CPALE Takers Surpass National Passing

Central Luzon State University, through the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA), achieved a 48.65% institutional passing rate in the May 2026 Certified Public Accountants Licensure Examination (CPALE) administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). This feat easily surpassed the national passing rate of 30.83%, welcoming 18 newly licensed accountants, composed of 13 first-time takers (44.83%) and 5 retakers (62.50%). The University extends its congratulations to our 'Golden Grains.' Your unwavering dedication, discipline, and hard work have officially paid off. To those who fell short this time, please remember that this examination does not define your capabilities or your future. Take this moment to rest, recalibrate, and know that your journey continues tomorrow with new strength and wisdom. Congratulations to our new accountants! List of Passers: 1. ABEJO, JOSSEL NAVARRO 2. ADEL, REGINE SARMIENTO 3. BAASIS, DIANNE FAITH CASERO 4. CAMACHO, CHRISTEL JOY STA MARIA 5. FELICIANO, TRISIA MAYUMI PASARDAN 6. GONZALES, JOHN MICHAEL DUMALE 7. HIZON, GRACE ARRA CAMPBELL ANGELES 8. LANUZA, PSALM JOYCE VERGARA 9. LORENZO, LYKA JOAQUIN 10. MANUEL, MARY ANN TIMBAS 11. MARIANO, KIM PATRICK MARCELO 12. MIRANO, DAISY GRACE CARIAGA 13. SALAZAR, MARY VERONICA DIZON 14. SANTILLAN, ARLAINE MAE JAVALUYAS 15. SAPANG, KYELA MAE ANTIMANO 16. SIMORIO, CLARISSA DELA CRUZ 17. VILLANEA, RICALYN DIAZ 18. YAMBOT, CHARLENE JOY DEPILLO

Jun. 03, 2026

CLSU Welcomes 3rd Batch of Youth Science Program

The Central Luzon State University (CLSU) officially welcomes the Batch 3 students from the Philippine Science High School Luzon campuses: Cagayan Valley Campus, Bicol Region Campus, Central Luzon Campus, and CALABARZON Campus for the DOST-PCAARRD Youth Science Program (DPYSP), which will run from May 25 to June 17, 2026. This 15-day program marks another meaningful journey of mentoring, immersion, and community of practice, aiming to inspire young minds to see the Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR) sector as a field of innovation, leadership, and nation-building. Throughout the program, the participants will be guided by mentors and resource persons, comprising experts from CLSU and the Community of Elders of DOST-PCAARRD, who will share their knowledge, experience, and inspiration in the fields of science, technology, agriculture, aquatic resources, and natural resources. Building from the accomplishments of Year 1, DPYSP continues to provide senior high school students with opportunities to engage with scientists, researchers, mentors, and communities through hands-on learning experiences. More than learning about agriculture and science, the program aims to strengthen students’ awareness, positive perceptions, and aspirations for S&T careers in AANR, showing them that agriculture is not only about farming but also about technology, research, sustainability, and service to communities. The project is led by Dr. Melanie P. Tolentino, together with Mr. Junior M. Pacol and Ms. Erica Fae De Fiesta as project staff, and Ms. Lovely Sacare and Mr. Brandon Alan N. Lamson as research assistants.

Jun. 02, 2026

CLSU Expands Partnerships to Advance Community Welfare and Mental Health Initiatives

Central Luzon State University (CLSU), through the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), formally inked its partnership with Tahanan ng Banal na Awa (TBA) and the Science City of Muñoz OFW Federation (SCMOF) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing Ceremony held on May 7, 2026, at the Conference Room, New Administration building, CLSU. This meaningful partnership reflects CLSU’s commitment through an initiative titled “CLSU - C.A.R.E.S — Cultivating Awareness, Resilience, Empowerment, and Support” which aims to promote psycho-social support, mental health awareness, counseling services, capacity-building seminars, and community-based interventions for children, OFW families, and communities across Nueva Ecija. Leading the ceremony were Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz, Vice President for Research and Extension, representing University President Dr. Evaristo Abella, and Dr. Irene G. Bustos, Dean of Student Affairs. Also present were stakeholder representatives Ms. Anita De Guzman, President of the SCMOF, together with their Auditor, Ms. Reona G. Dumaya; and Rev. Fr. Ricardo N. Pangilinan, Jr., Director of Tahanan ng Banal na Awa, accompanied by Sister Catherine D. Ba-A, Residential Social Worker. The event was likewise attended by OSA Faculty members, Asst. Prof. Bernadette O. Binayug, OSA Extension Coordinator, Dr. Jayson Marzan, Anak at Kapamilya ng OFW (AKO) Focal Person, OSA staff, and other guests. Through this collaboration, CLSU, TBA, and SCMOF reaffirm their commitment to compassion, resilience, holistic care, and community empowerment for the welfare of children, OFW families, and the communities they serve.

May. 14, 2026

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