op@clsu.edu.ph (044) 940 8785
CLSU Logo

Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

University

Bumpy Roads Lead to Better Places: The Story of a Stat Prodigy

Mar. 03, 2023

Stratcom and Anthonete Cruz | SCO

"It's okay to stand on your own feet but be smart enough to know when you need assistance, and be brave enough to ask for it." This is one of the life lessons from Mr. Reynaldo Trajano Cuevas V, a 23-year-old who hailed from the busy street of Cabanatuan City and is set to graduate and receive the highest honor among the graduating class of 2023 on March 3 during the 32nd Mid-year Commencement Exercises. Finishing his degree in BS Statistics, Reynaldo relates his life to the volatile data that he always interprets - it is full of ups and downs. His academic struggles begin when his proposal for his thesis did not make it on time. "After kong malaman na hindi pwede ‘yung unang proposal ko syempre nalungkot ako, iniisip ko kung anong susunod kong gagawin at the same time nawalan din ako ng motivation kaya hindi rin po ako nakapag simula agad." Inspired by his mother's love, Mrs. Nerissa Trajano Cuevas who's been with him since day one, Reynaldo was able to rise from this setback and prove himself by garnering the general weighted average of 1.51, which made him lead this year's graduating class. Reynaldo did not expect to graduate as the batch valedictorian, because, for him he only wanted to finish his studies, find a job, and earn some money to give back to his parents. When he heard the news from his mentors, he found himself tearing up, realizing that he would finally graduate and all of his parents' efforts would bear fruit. I dedicate this achievement to my parents, if it's not for their support, assistance, understanding, and guidance I will not be here. Sobrang salamat Mama and Papa!" he exclaimed. Reynaldo admits that he was also one of those students who was terrified to make mistakes, but later on, he realized that they were only challenges that would make him stronger and more resilient throughout. Cuevas journey as a student is an example of courage and perseverance. It was full of struggle, but he sits and analyzes the problem to come up with a solution that have a positive result saying "Iniinda ko yung failures pero sinisiguro ko na makakabawi ako." Making mistakes is part of our lives, but the good thing is we always learned from those mistakes. As the old saying goes, experience is the best teacher that we will ever have. Like Reynaldo, we must learn to stand on our own, but we have to know that we will not learn everything by experience, rather, we can always tap someone's shoulder and ask for help, if necessary. Indeed, he is proof that when we are bold enough to admit our shortcomings, we will become a better person with great achievements.

Other Stories

CLSU Climbs to 118th in WURI 2025 Global Rankings

Central Luzon State University has achieved a remarkable feat in the latest World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2025, soaring 17 places to secure the 118th spot globally among 400 prestigious universities. This significant advancement from last year's 135th position underscores CLSU's unwavering commitment to pioneering impactful projects that directly contribute to national development. CLSU secured spots in three key categories, namely: Ranked 5th in the Funding for Sustainability Category with the project titled “FARM-ER POWER: Sowing Innovation, Harvesting Sustainability,” highlighting the university's innovative strategies to secure financial resources by diversifying funding streams and adopting new methods through its Business Affairs Program (UBAP). Ranked 5th in the Cost-Benefit Management Category titled “Rice Up: Growing Grains, Greater Gains,” a "seed-to-seed" and "seed-to-table" model project also implemented by UBAP. The project ensures the entire rice cycle, from planting to distribution, fostering economic and social benefits for CLSU through providing affordable rice to students, faculty, and the local community. Ranked 23rd in SDG-Based Responses to Global Challenges Category with the initiative titled “Goats for Global Goal: Small Ruminant Center Championing Sustainable Development,” a project led by the Small Ruminant Center which aims to enhance farmers' socio-economic status by improving small ruminant genetics, adopting sustainable feed and disease control practices, and promoting the development of superior goat and sheep products. It also provides farmers with practical training and access to new small ruminant technologies. Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, University President, expressed his deep appreciation for the ongoing commitment of faculty and staff. He highlighted their crucial role in spearheading projects that consistently advance the university's meaningful impact on the community. #SievingForExcellence

Jul. 10, 2025

Pres. Abella Leads Region 3 in 2025 PASUC Convention

As an active chair of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Region 3, University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella led the Region 3 delegation in the 2025 PASUC Midterm Convention and General Assembly today, July 9 at the SMX Convention Center Manila. The convention, anchored on the theme “Forging the Future: Empowering SUCs through Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence,” features lectures and discussions on SUC Governance, human capital development, sustainability, and global competitiveness, among other topics. President Abella emphasized the importance of attending such an event, as this opens the door for collaboration and ideas among SUC leaders, highlighting their shared commitment to elevating the standard of higher education in the Philippines. Joining him in the event were Ms. Jinky A. Parugrug, Director of Financial Management Services; Ms. Clarissa R. Valeriano, Chief of Budget Office; Mr. Ronnie Gutierrez, Chief of Procurement Office; and Mr. Ryan Esteban, Chief of Planning and Development Office. Prominent individuals attending the event were the Hon. Shirley C. Agrupis, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education, and the Hon. Amenah F. Pangandaman, Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management. #SievingForExcellence

Jul. 09, 2025

Sen. Kiko Pangilinan Headlines USSC Leadership Seminar, Inspires CLSU Students

Newly-elected Senator Francis “Kiko” N. Pangilinan headlined the leadership seminar titled "SEKDER: Steering Excellence through Knowledge, Development, and Empowered Rights," hosted by the University Supreme Student Council (USSC). The event aimed to inspire and equip student leaders was held today, July 9 at the CLSU Auditorium as part of the three-day SIKAD event. Dr. Ariel G. Mactal, Vice President for Administration, representing University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, kicked off the program with a powerful welcome message, urging students to embrace the challenge of leadership and deepen their purpose. “Today’s seminar is an opportunity to depend on your sense of purpose, not just as students but as leaders of action in your communities. As you sharpen your knowledge, explore your rights, and embrace your calling to lead, remember that leadership is not about position; it is about responsibility. Leadership is not about titles, it is about courage to serve, heart to listen, and will to act, especially when it is not easy. And it starts right here, right now,” Dr. Mactal expressed. The event highlight was the message delivered by Senator Pangilinan, who addressed the challenges facing the Philippine agriculture sector. He also expressed his hope that the students, as the younger generation, would be instrumental in bringing about positive change in the country, particularly within agriculture, stating, “Kabataan, kayo ang mitsa ng pagbabago.” The seminar also featured insights from notable young leaders, including Mr. Junior M. Pacol, a faculty member from the Department of Filipino, College of Arts and Social Sciences. Drawing from his own experiences as a student leader, Mr. Pacol prompted attendees to consider giving back through serving their community and finding their passion. Furthermore, also served as a guest speaker was Ms. Kim Modelo, Vice President for the National Union of Students of the Philippines, who shared about student power and youth activism. The event also included a prerecorded video message from Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino, who delivered an encouraging message to the CLSU students. #SievingForExcellence

Jul. 09, 2025

View More