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

Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

CLSU, Japanese Institutions Address Key Issues in Banana and Cacao at Int’l Forum

Sep. 27, 2024

StratCom | SCO

The Central Luzon State University (CLSU) and Tamagawa University (TU) of Japan, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), tackled key issues and concerns in banana and cacao production, with a focus on disease management, during an International Forum held today, September 27, 2024, at the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) in Quezon City. The event brought together various stakeholders from the industry to discuss challenges and solutions. Dubbed as the 1st International Stakeholders’ Forum of Banana and Cacao Diseases Management (BaCaDM) in the Philippines, Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, CLSU President and BaCaDM Project Director, delivered an opening message recognizing the crucial roles of all stakeholders involved in this JICA-funded project. In his speech, President Abella emphasized the vital importance of active participation and commitment from all stakeholders to achieve the project's objectives. He assured the attendees that CLSU remains fully committed to supporting the initiative, aiming to benefit not only the banana and cacao industries but also the workers and consumers who rely on them. “CLSU will stay committed to innovative efforts in agricultural research and development and in harnessing our international linkages for programs and projects like this that will benefit the people not only in our local communities but all over the world,” said Dr. Abella. The forum was attended by researchers from CLSU and TU, representatives from JICA, Officers from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, banana and cacao producers, and importers group, as well as the heads of agencies under DA-led by Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., represented by DA-BPI Director, Dr. Glenn Gerard Panganiban. Also present were Dr. Ariel G. Mactal, VP for Administration and Deputy Project Director, Dr. Parsons N. Hail, Project Manager along with the Project leaders and staff Dr. Elaida R. Fiegalan, Dr. Garry Benico, and Dr. Jay C. Santos.

Related SDGs
  • 4

    Goal 4: Quality Education

  • 17

    Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals

Other Stories

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

View More
CLSU Data Privacy Seal of Registration

Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines 3120
  • Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
  • op@clsu.edu.ph
  • (044) 940 8785

Opportunities
E-Services
Feedback and Grievance Desk
Central Luzon State University values the voices of its students, faculty, staff, and the people it serves and is committed to continuously improve its services. As part of our commitment to quality and excellence, we encourage you to share your feedback, concerns, and suggestions.

To ensure your inputs are heard and addressed, we provide the following official channels for receiving feedback and grievances.
  • feedback@clsu.edu.ph
  • +63 9537 267 511
  • (044) 940 7030
© Copyright 2023 Central Luzon State University All Rights Reserved