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

Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Academic

CASS Embarks on Capacity-building and Livelihood Intervention for IPs in Gabaldon

Jun. 13, 2022

Marife R. De Torres | SCO

  To empower marginalized communities, a team of faculty from the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), implemented a three-day capacity building training program and livelihood interventions for the Indigenous Peoples of Gabaldon in Nueva Ecija with funding support from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Provincial Office in collaboration with the University Gender and Development Office of CLSU. Funded under the Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) of DOST, Dr. Jay C. Santos, CASS Dean and Project Leader led the other faculty in the college serving as Project Staff namely, Prof. Floper Gershwin Manuel, Dr. Marife R. De Torres, Dr. Sharina Merculio Ms. Mylene Sacro, and Ms. Maybelle Ramirez. Together with DOST Provincial Office Representative Jonie Alerre, the team initially met with the Municipal Mayor of Gabaldon Atty. Jobby P. Emata on February 22 to discuss the details of the project. Also present in the meeting was the Municipal Agriculture Office Chief Florenda Sumawang and Municipal Vice Mayor Victorino V. Sabino. On March 16 to 18, through the assistance of Indigenous Person Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Randy Casamis, the CASS team implemented the training for the 35 members of “Samahan ng Katutubong Dumagat sa Sitio Dupinga at Sitio Pag-Asa ng Barangay Malinao” in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija. To strengthen the organization of the IPs, Assoc. Prof. Oliva B. Parico and Randolf Warren Gregorio T. Mayo II, faculty from the Department of Social Sciences, provided lectures and workshops on policy-making, control, and ethical leadership for sustainable development. One of the problems identified was the sustainability of livelihood programs participated by some members of the organization. Meanwhile, realizing the vulnerability of IPs to psychological trauma as they reside in areas susceptible to flooding such as near mountain ridges and alongside waterways such as rivers, Ms. Klara Patricia Laureta, faculty from the Department of Psychology, lectures on Enhancing Human Resilience Through Psychological First-Aid. Mr. Jayson D. Natividad of Curvada Organico conducted a livelihood training workshop on Stone Processing Technology with IPs participating in the making of displays and souvenirs from the processed stones. Stone processing equipment amounting to 268,720.00 pesos was initially being loaned for one year to the participating members thru Mr. Casamis, IPMR representative. The equipment includes a Jackhammer (5pcs), small-angle grinder (10 pcs), large angle grinder (10 pcs), 4 inches masonry circular blade (20 pcs), 7 inches masonry circular blade (20 pcs), buffing machine (10 pcs), chipping gun (10 pcs), and die grinding kit (10 pcs). These will be officially donated to the organization if the results of the monitoring would suggest the sustainability of the livelihood project. However, if there is proof of discontinuance of the project, the equipment and tools will be returned to CLSU. The three-day training concluded with a closing program with Dr. Santos and Municipal Administrator Ricardo A. Subido awarding the Certificates of Participation to the members of the IP community. Meanwhile, to sustain existing livelihood opportunities for the IPs in Sitio Caanawan, Barangay Calabasa, Gabaldon, and Nueva Ecija, several farm tools kits, fertilizers, and seedlings were donated thru the DOST-CEST assisted project. On March 22, Dr. Santos and four CASS faculty together with DOST Provincial Office Representative Kim De Vera Licudan traversed the Dupinga river via a vehicle locally referred to as “hubad” and walked for almost an hour in the hilly mountain area of Sitio Caanawan to personally hand over 20 sets of planting toolkits to the IP members of the said community. These include a squarehead shovel, rake comb, backhoe, pair of spades convertible to post hole digger, pick mattock, scythe, hand trowel, soil forks, organic fertilizer, vegetable seeds (10 hybrid variety), and planting manual. Approximately 27 members of the IP community in Sitio Caanawan, with their Chieftain Marichu Valentin and IPMR Representative Mr. Casamis, were present to receive the said donations. Gabaldon is one of the three sites for the DOST-assisted project awarded to CLSU under the 2021 Expanded Implementation of CEST in Nueva Ecija “Building Better COMMUNITIES: Transformation of Missed Opportunities into Economic Competitiveness thru Science and Technology”.  The other two project sites are the municipalities of Cuyapo and Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija. The project amounting to 1,781,120.00 million pesos commenced on August 1, 2021, and is expected to end by July 31, 2022.

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