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.

Other Stories

Comm. Apag Presides 1st CLSU BOR Meeting Under Pres. Abella’s Term; Commends University Accomplishments

Commissioner Desiderio R. Apag III, the newly appointed Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), presided his first Board of Regents (BOR) meeting with Central Luzon State University (CLSU) on April 1, 2025 held at the CHEd Building in Diliman, Quezon City. As the new BOR Chair of CLSU, Commissioner Apag actively participated in discussions concerning the university’s progress and future initiatives. During the Chairperson’s Time, Dr. Apag outlined his priority projects, focusing on the digitization of CHEd operations. Key initiatives include the automation of travel authority requests for international engagements and the development of a comprehensive profiling system for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). With his expertise in computer engineering, he emphasized the importance of streamlining transactions between CHEd and SUCs to enhance efficiency and accessibility. Meanwhile, CLSU President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella presented the university’s accomplishments, highlighting international rankings and accreditations, student and faculty achievements, technologies generated, and revenue generation efforts. Commending CLSU’s remarkable progress, Commissioner Apag expressed particular appreciation for a plastic bottle sorting machine developed by CLSU Information Technology (IT) students, noting its potential community impact. He emphasized his keen interest in technology-driven innovations that benefit society and encouraged further advancements in this area. Also present at the meeting were BOR members Dr. Roy Searca Jose P. Dela Cruz, Mr. Dharcel B. Parungao, Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat, Dr. Danilo S. Vargas, Mr. Reiner Andres, Congressman Joseph Gilbert Violago, representing Congressman Mark O. Go, and Dr. Lora Yusi, permanent resource person. #QualityEducation #SievingforExcellence

Apr. 04, 2025

CVSM Students Clinch Gold in the Nat’l Round-Up Competition

Three students from the College of Veterinary Science and Medicine (CVSM) bagged the championship during the 26th National Round-Up Competition held at Benguet State University on March 29, 2025. The team, composed of Xyrk Lynx Doctor, Joshua Lawrence Palma, and John King Valdez, showed an impressive intellectual performance, marking a remarkable comeback after finishing only on the second podium in last year’s competition. The team won a 35,000 pesos cash prize, plaque, and subscription to an educational website for board preparation after besting 45 participants from 9 participating universities. They were mentored and guided by their coaches and CVSM faculty namely, Dr. Phebe Valdez and Dr. Errol Jay Balagan. The National Round-Up Quiz Contest is an annual academic quiz competition that gathers state universities offering veterinary programs from across the Philippines to assess their knowledge and skills, an initiative spearheaded by the Rodeo Club. #LifeonLand #SievingForExcellence

Apr. 03, 2025

CHSI Faculty Wins 2025 BCYF Innovation Award

Dr. Dana G. Vera Cruz, a faculty researcher from the College of Home Science and Industry (CHSI), was honored with the 2025 Benita & Catalino Yap Foundation (BCYF) Innovation Award on March 28, 2025, for her groundbreaking work in developing Daerry’s Tilapia Ice Cream and cookies. The Daerry's Tilapia Ice Cream and Cookies is a unique dessert combining steamed and roasted tilapia flakes with the creamy richness of carabao’s milk, offering a high-protein but free from the fishy aftertaste. This targets to address the declining fish consumption among children and provides a creative solution to malnutrition and undernourishment. Dr. Vera Cruz expressed her appreciation for this recognition, noting that the award signifies her commitment to making a positive impact within the food industry and advancing toward a sustainable and healthier future. “Winning the BCYF Innovation Award reinforces our mission to continue to transform research into meaningful impact. It’s a reminder that innovation thrives where passion meets purpose,” said Dr. Vera Cruz. The Award is part of BCYF’s Comprehensive Social Development Program, which consists of Research, Education, Events, and Developmental Social Enterprise. It highlights the dedication to leveraging science and creativity to foster and improve nutrition to support sustainable practices and local farmers. #SievingForExcellence

Apr. 03, 2025

View More