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 Stages "Cacao TALKS 2026" to Bolster Value Chain

To showcase the latest findings and technologies in Cacao, the Central Luzon State University held the Cacao TALKS (Transforming Agriculture through Livelihoods, Knowledge and Sustainability) 2026: A Cacao Value Chain Conference on March 11, 2026, at the RIE Amphitheater. The conference convened over 120 cacao farmers, researchers, and entrepreneurs, with more than 1,000 views on Facebook Live, synchronizing efforts to elevate the Philippine cacao value chain. The event was made possible under the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) funded project titled “Productivity, Technical Efficiency, and Competitiveness of the Cacao Value Chain in the Philippines” led by Dr. Edilyn V. Lansangan, which aimed to transition the industry from traditional farming to a technology-driven, market-competitive sector. During the opening program, University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, represented by Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz, emphasized the importance of the gathering, noting that the presence of stakeholders reflects a collective drive to position cacao as one of the primary engines for rural development. “Today's conference brings together a diverse and dynamic community of stakeholders, from farmers and researchers to entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners. Your presence reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the Cacao Value Chain and unlocking the vast potential of Cacao as a driver of sustainable agriculture, livelihood generation, and rural development.” A high-level technical session featured industry leaders and researchers who addressed the multifaceted challenges of the sector. Philippine Cacao Industry Council (PCIC) President Consul Armi Lopez-Garcia and Dr. Divina M. Amalin of De La Salle University headlined a panel that covered national industry status, and the potential of cacao in the market. In addition, experts from CLSU, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), University of the Philippines Mindanao, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), and Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) discussed advanced pest management and the integration of modern agricultural techniques. Beyond production, the conference bridged the gap between the laboratory and the marketplace. Ms. Eva Ritchelle D. Padua, owner of The Dulce Chocolate House, provided an entrepreneurial perspective through presenting a developed product from cacao. The event also featured a technology demonstration held at PHilMech. The event is spearheaded by CLSU together with PCIC/Philippine Cacao Industry Association, Inc. (PCIA), PhilMech, UPLB, DOST-PCAARRD, and Central Luzon Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research and Development Consortium (CLAARRDEC). #SievingForExcellence

Mar. 12, 2026

“My Puhunan” TV Show to Feature Tilapia Ice Cream

One of the Kapamilya Channel programs, titled "My Puhunan Kaya Mo!" visited Central Luzon State University (CLSU) to capture the story behind the world-renowned Daerry’s Tilapia Ice Cream on March 6, 2026. Accompanied by the developer herself, Dr. Dana G. Vera Cruz, the crew made a quick visit to the Dungon Museum and the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) at CLSU before diving into the production of the university’s most curious delicacy. The program aims to highlight how CLSU transformed a humble aquatic staple into a sweet, award-winning sensation that defies expectations with its creamy texture and zero-fishy taste. Watch and support this inspiring story, airing on March 15, 2026, at 4:00 pm on Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Online Live.

Mar. 12, 2026

COS Launches the FIRST Program to Elevate Research and Teaching

The College of Science (COS), led by its College Dean, Dr. Angeles M. De Leon, officially launched the Faculty Immersion in Research, Scholarship, and Teaching (FIRST) Program today, March 12, at the CLSU International Studio. Attended by College Deans, faculty members, and staff, the FIRST Program is a strategic initiative anchored under the Educating for Leadership, Enterprise, Value-Creation, and Advanced Talent Ecosystems (ELEVATE) Program of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA) to transform the University into a world-class national research institution. Rather than a one-time workshop, it is an institutionalized, annual cycle of training and mentorship. “The success of the FIRST Program will depend not only on its design but on the active participation, collaboration, and commitment of our faculty members. This is an invitation for all of us to continue learning, mentoring, and growing together as a community of scholars,” De Leon said in her message. This program reflects the unwavering commitment of the University to strengthen not only its faculty but also the future of its students and its broader institutional impact. #SievingForExcellence

Mar. 12, 2026

View More
FOI Transparency Seal 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