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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

CLSU Mushroom Center Spawns 35 Years of Excellence

Jul. 21, 2026

Arwen Lui Simon | SCO

The Central Luzon State University (CLSU), through the Center for Tropical Mushroom Research and Development (CTMRD), kicked off the 4-day celebration of its 35th Founding Anniversary with the theme “Honoring 35 Years of Pioneering Excellence: Cultivating Legacy, Advancing Innovations, and Sustaining Service for Generations” on July 20, 2026, at the RIE Amphitheater. Prominent individuals in the mushroom industry delivered an inspirational message, including Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Director and Board of Regents member, Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat, CTMRD founder and Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) President, Dr. Renato G. Reyes, and Science City of Muñoz City Agriculturist Mr. Lionel Parugrug, representing Hon. Baby Armi L. Alvarez. They reminded the audience of this milestone's significance and honored the achievements of those who have contributed to the growth of both the mushroom initiative and the CTMRD. Meanwhile, Mr. Carl Vincent D. Gapasin, a CLSU alumnus and the current Program Head Coordinator of the Department of Agriculture's National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program, highlighted the center's critical role in agricultural development. “This is precisely why institutions like CTMRD are indispensable; you serve as a bridge between scientific discovery and practical application," Gapasin stated. "Every technology developed creates new opportunities for agencies like the Bureau of Plant Industry and the Department of Agriculture to bring these innovations closer to our communities,” he added. Furthermore, one of the highlights of the event was the launching of Mush. PH: Mushroom Philippines Innovation Network and the oath-taking of its elected officials, and the book launching of CTMRD’s Mykollet: A compendium of Tropical Mushrooms of the Philippines. Among those in attendance were representatives from ASCOT, Bulacan State University, Visayas State University, Iligan Institute of Technology, Golden State College, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Pangasinan State University, Adamson University, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, and the Muñoz Local Government Unit.

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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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