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

Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

CLSU Faculty Members Present Groundbreaking Research at the 6th UC Faculty Forum

Sep. 06, 2024

StratCom | SCO

Two esteemed faculty members from Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Dr. Rubigilda Paraguison-Alili of the Crops and Resources, Research and Development Center (CRRDC) and Dr. Garry A. Benico of the Department of Biological Sciences, presented their pioneering research at the prestigious 6th University Consortium Faculty Forum (UCFF). The forum, held on August 28-29, 2024, at The Everly Hotel in Putrajaya, Malaysia, focused on the theme "Resilience and Adaptation Towards Innovation in Climate Crisis." This significant event saw participation from leading academic institutions across Southeast Asia, highlighting the regional collaboration in addressing pressing global challenges. Dr. Paraguison-Alili, an expert in smart agriculture, presented in the Session 3: Smart Agriculture and Precision Farming for Resilience and Sustainable Development. Her presentation, titled "Guardians of the Grain: Advancing Smart Agriculture with Improved Isothermal Amplification-Based Biosensors for Precision Disease Detection and Sustainable Rice Production," highlighted the development of advanced DNA-based biosensors designed to detect rice pathogens, particularly rice blast and sheath blight. Her work, supported by the Department of Agriculture - Regional Office III and the Philippine Rice Research Institute, reflects CLSU's commitment to enhancing food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices through technological innovation. Meanwhile, Dr. Benico, another distinguished faculty member, contributed his expertise in Session 2: Natural Resources, Sustainability and Management. His presentation, titled "Diversity of Potentially Harmful Cyanobacteria in Pantabangan Lake, Nueva Ecija: Implication to Food Security and Ecosystem Services," focused on the identification and monitoring of harmful cyanobacteria species in Pantabangan Lake. His research emphasized the importance of correct species identification and monitoring to safeguard biodiversity and ensure the safety of local food sources, which is crucial for maintaining ecosystem services in the face of environmental challenges. The UCFF is an initiative of the Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources which brings together academic leaders, researchers, and experts from across Southeast Asia, including countries like Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The forum, which fosters collaboration, share knowledge, and develop innovative strategies to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change, provided a valuable platform for the exchange of ideas and the formation of international collaborative networks, furthering the participants' shared goal of advancing resilience and sustainability in agriculture and natural resource management. The contributions of Dr. Paraguison-Alili and Dr. Benico not only underscored the vital role of CLSU in these efforts but also showcased the University's leadership in pioneering research that addresses critical global challenges.

Other Stories

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

View More