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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

CLSU Honors Outstanding Alumni with the “Gintong Butil Award”

Apr. 16, 2026

StratCom | SCO

For 119 years, alumni of Central Luzon State University (CLSU) have been the institution's cornerstone, serving as global ambassadors across diverse fields. As part of the celebration of the Founding Anniversary, the CLSU Administration honors exceptional alumni for their invaluable contributions and the prestige they have brought to their alma mater on April 16, 2026, at the University Auditorium. This year marked a significant transition for the Gintong Butil Award, as it was previously managed by the Alumni Association Inc. headed by Dir. Nemesio V. Torres, and is now officially under the CLSU Administration through the Alumni Relations Division, led by Asst. Prof. Henrison Sanchez. During the event, Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, delivered a welcome message that reaffirmed the university's commitment to nurturing future leaders. He noted that the gathering was not only to recognize achievements but to honor the unique journeys that began within the university’s halls. He further emphasized that the Gintong Butil Awards serve as a reminder that true success is measured by how it is shared. “The Gintong Butil Award reminds us that success is not measured by personal achievements alone, but by how that success is shared, whether through service, innovation, generosity, or collaboration. Our awardees embody the ideals of excellence, purpose, and leadership with heart. As we honor them today, we also reaffirm our commitment as a university to continue nurturing future Butil, who will one day carry forward the mission of service and nation-building.” The university proudly recognized four outstanding awardees who have brought immense honor to the institution: 1. Dr. Jovino L. De Dios received the Butil ng Paglilingkod (Service Award) 2. Mr. Ronald S. Leabres was honored with the Butil ng Inspirasyon (Inspiration Award) 3. USHS Class of 2003 was granted the Butil ng Pagkakawanggawa (Philanthropy Award) received by Ms. Kristel Marie Orden, Ms. Rosselnova Alfonso-Canasa, Ms. Kristine Grace Dalusong-Waing, and Atty. Arvin Randy Teo 4. Leo A. Macalanda received the Gawad Kahusayan sa Palakasan (Special Award for Excellence in Sports) Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Mr. Ronald S. Leabres conveyed a deep sense of gratitude and a lasting promise to the university, stating: “Kung kami ay naging mga leader sa aming komunidad at propesyon, ito ay dahil sa mga aral, disiplina at pagpapahalagang itinanim sa amin ng CLSU. Dito kami hinubog, dito kami tinuruan hindi lamang kung paano magtagumpay kundi paano maging makabuluhan, kaya saanman kami dalhin ng aming propesyon, maging sa trabaho, mga organisasyon, iba't ibang panig man ng bansa at sa mundo, dala-dala namin ang pangalan ng CLSU. Ipinagmamalaki namin ito, sapagkat naniniwala kami na kung wala ang institusyon na ito, hindi kami magiging sino kami ngayon.” The ceremony concluded with a congratulatory message from Dr. Karenina Romualdo, Vice President for Business Affairs, who praised the awardees for their perseverance and their choice to lead with integrity. “Sa bawat hakbang na inyong tinahak, dala ninyo ang pag-asa ng inyong pamilya at ngayon, dala ninyo ang karangalan ng ating mahal na CLSU. Maraming salamat sa inyong pagpupunyagi at patuloy na pagpili—pagpili na maging tapat, mahusay at may malasakit sa inyong ginagawa. Sa pamamagitan ninyo ay napapatunayan na ang iskolar ng CLSU ay hindi lamang mahusay sa akademya, kundi may puso sa bayan at malasakit sa kapwa.” As the event concluded, the atmosphere was filled with a renewed sense of pride, reminding everyone that each alumnus is the living embodiment of the university’s mission. #CLSULiwanagatLakas #SievingForExcellence #CLSUGintongButil

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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

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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.

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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.

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