CLSU Honors Outstanding Alumni with the “Gintong Butil Award”

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