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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

CLSU Hosts 8 International Students for Filipino Language and Cultural Immersion

Jun. 25, 2026

StratCom | SCO

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) has opened its doors to eight international students from prestigious universities in the United States for a firsthand, immersive experience of the Filipino language, culture, and community traditions. The foreign delegates, who comprise four students from Harvard University, three from Northern Illinois University, and one from the University of California, Berkeley, are participating in two specialized tracks: the International Filipino Language and Culture Program and the Green and Global Philippines: Language, Culture, and Sustainability program. Led by the International Affairs Office (IAO), this short-term immersion is a collaborative effort with the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), specifically through the Department of Filipino and the Department of Global Studies. The initiative aims to foster deep cross-cultural understanding while offering the delegates an authentic taste of Filipino academic and community life. Upon their arrival, the international students immediately engaged with local customs. One of their first cultural activities was a trip to the local market for a traditional “pamamalengke.” The students received a quick lesson in haggling and successfully navigated the “tawad” culture while interacting with local vendors. Furthermore, the students traveled to nearby communities to learn the intricate art of community-based Sabutan Weaving, practicing the traditional craft alongside local artisans. They also immersed themselves in local spiritual traditions by participating in the unique Taong Putik Festival. In the coming weeks, the international students will participate in various cultural and agricultural activities, including rice planting, goat and carabao milking, and exploring heritage and historic sites across Luzon. The Green and Global Philippines: Language, Culture, and Sustainability program will run until July 3, 2026, while the International Filipino Language and Culture Program will continue until July 25, 2026. Through this collaborative effort, CLSU continues to strengthen its internationalization milestones and solidify its reputation as a leading hub for global academic exchange. By attracting top scholars from world-renowned institutions, the university demonstrates its capacity to bridge local heritage with impactful global education.

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CLSU Kickstarts SIBOL 2026 to Empower Student Incubatees

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) through the Agriculture and Food Technology Business Incubator (AFTBI) formally commenced the SIBOL 2026: Nurturing Ideas, Growing Innovations, Creating Impact: Empowering Student Incubatees to Build Sustainable and Innovative Ventures, today, September 14, through a Ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing, marking a significant step toward strengthening student innovation and entrepreneurship within the University. Organized in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), the program equips student incubatees with startup mentorship, financial modeling, intellectual property guidance, and technical evaluation. The ceremonial signing was led by University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, with Dr. Celyrah B. Castillo, Dean of the College of Home Science and Industry (CHSI); Dr. Pablo J. Rafael, Jr., CHED CLSU-SIBOL Project Leader; Dr. Dana G. Vera Cruz, CHED CLSU-SIBOL Project Staff; Dr. Joel G. Juvinal, Assoc. Prof. Geraldine G. Tayag, and Asst. Prof. Jennylyne L. Joaquin, CHED CLSU-SIBOL Mentors and Resource Speakers; Dr. Jessica M. Rustia and Instructor Kim Aron Velasco, CHED CLSU-SIBOL Mentors; and Assoc. Prof. Celeste D. Dela Cruz, Head of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management (DTHM), together with the thirteen student incubatees and their parents and guardians. In his message, President Abella encouraged the student incubatees to make the most of the experience. “Your ideas may still be at their beginning stages, but with proper guidance and your willingness to learn, these ideas can grow into innovations that will definitely create impact in our community,” he stated. Following the ceremonial signing, the 13 student incubatees from the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) and Bachelor of Science in Food Technology (BSFT) began a three-day training workshop featuring a series of learning sessions designed to strengthen their competencies and equip them for the further development and commercialization of their innovative ideas. Through this collaboration, CLSU, CHED, and DOST-PCAARRD continue to empower the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs to identify opportunities, address challenges, and develop solutions responsive to the needs of communities and industries.

Sep. 14, 2026

CLSU Reaps 2 Awards for Sustainable Tourism at 2026 CL Star Awards

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) earned two recognitions during the 2026 Central Luzon Star Awards held on September 10, 2026, at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. CLSU was recognized as the winner for Sustainable Tourism Education Leadership under the State Universities and Colleges Category, affirming the university’s commitment to promoting quality and sustainable tourism education and its continued contribution to the development of the tourism industry. Moreover, CLSU was also declared the Overall Destination Stewardship Champion, highlighting its continued commitment to responsible tourism and destination stewardship. The awards were received by Dr. Celyrah B. Castillo, Dean of the College of Home Science and Industry (CHSI), and Assoc. Prof. Celeste D. Dela Cruz, Chair of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management (DHTM), together with other faculty members from the CHSI – DHTM, who represented the university during the ceremony. These recognitions reflect the dedication of CLSU to excellence in tourism education and its efforts to contribute to the advancement of sustainable tourism in Central Luzon and beyond. #SievingForExcellence

Sep. 11, 2026

CLSU Graduate Programs Eye Approval for Level IV Accreditation

The graduate programs under the Institute of Graduate Studies (IGS) underwent a comprehensive three-day Level IV, 2nd Cycle accreditation survey visit conducted by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) from September 2 to 4, 2026. The rigorous evaluation covered eight advanced degree programs: Master in Agribusiness, Master of Science in Agricultural Economics, Master of Science in Crop Protection, Master of Science in Animal Science, Master of Science in Crop Science, Master of Science in Soil Science, Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science, and Doctor of Philosophy in Crop Science. During the closing program, Dr. Edgardo P. Lillo delivered the overall impression on behalf of the accrediting team, commending the college for sustaining high standards while maintaining the unique identity of each academic program. Dr. Lillo further highlighted key strengths including high-quality international research publications, strong alumni employability, active community engagement, highly qualified faculty roster, growing portfolio of patents and copyrights, state-of-the-art facilities, and robust local and international partnerships. In response, University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, represented by Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco, delivered the Pledge of Commitment, expressing deep gratitude to the AACCUP accreditors and the internal task force for their thorough evaluation. “We shall listen, learn, evaluate, innovate, and improve. As the CLSU community, we pledge to commit to quality, to lead with integrity and excellence, to serve with purpose and compassion, and to continuously pursue an unending journey of excellence,”

Sep. 04, 2026

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