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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

CLSU, OWWA Empower OFWs through Mushroom Pharming Training under the HOPE Project

Nov. 26, 2024

Laurence Lingat | OSA

Aiming to equip Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families with valuable skills for livelihood ventures, Central Luzon State University (CLSU) conducted an Intensive Training on Mushroom and Spawn Production (Mushroom Pharming) on November 13-14, 2024. The training marked Phase I (Batch I) of the Holistic OFW Program towards Empowerment (HOPE) Project, funded by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Region III. This initiative directly benefited members of the OFW Family Circle Federation of Nueva Ecija, equipping them with valuable skills and opportunities for livelihood development. The HOPE Project, launched as an outcome of the CLSU OFW Conference 2024, aims to support OFWs in transitioning to sustainable livelihoods through comprehensive capability-building initiatives. These include mushroom pharming, organic agriculture, personal finance management, and entrepreneurship. The training introduced the fundamentals of mushroom and spawn production, offering hands-on learning and technical guidance to prepare them for income-generating opportunities. With practical skills and entrepreneurial insights, participants were poised to make meaningful contributions to their communities while navigating life beyond overseas employment. The HOPE Project highlights the shared commitment of CLSU and OWWA to delivering impactful programs that empower OFWs to achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency. Phases I (Batch 2) and II are scheduled for December 5-7, offering additional sessions designed to enhance participants’ knowledge and skills further. The CLSU team, led by Prof. Janet O. Saturno and project leader Dr. Jayson L. Marzan, along with project staff members Dr. Elizabeth Bajit, Dr. Irene G. Bustos, Dr. Carolyn P. Gonzales-Marzan, Mr. Sherwin Celestino, Mr. Ryan De Quina, and Mr. Laurence Lingat, aimed to address the unique challenges faced by OFWs during reintegration. Their efforts focused on fostering resilience and adaptability, equipping participants with the skills needed for sustainable success.

Related SDGs
  • 2

    Goal 2: Zero Hunger

  • 3

    Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being

  • 5

    Goal 5: Gender Equality

  • 9

    Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  • 15

    Goal 15: Life on Land

  • 16

    Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  • 17

    Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals

Other Stories

CLSU Spearheads Tree-Planting Activity of CLAARRDEC to Kick-off its Golden Anniversary

Early this morning, July 3, the Central Luzon State University (CLSU), serving as the base agency of the Central Luzon Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (CLAARRDEC), spearheaded a tree-planting activity to officially kick off the Consortium’s pre-celebration of its 50th Founding Anniversary. Held in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, the activity was graced by Hon. Ricardo Manucdoc, Vice Mayor of Carranglan, who joined and led the volunteers in planting more than a thousand robusta coffee seedlings. In his message, Vice Mayor Manucdoc shared that the municipality has been conducting similar initiatives since 2022 as part of its efforts to rehabilitate mountain areas devastated by forest fires. “Nagpapasalamat kami dahil ang CLSU ay laging tumutugon sa ating mga pangangailangan at adbokasiya,” said Vice Mayor Manucdoc. “Kami po ay aasahan ninyong maging kapartner sa mga ganitong adhikain,” he added, reaffirming the municipality’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable partnerships. Around 50 participants from CLSU and CLAARRDEC took part in the activity, led by Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, University President and Chair of the CLAARRDEC Regional Research and Development Coordinating Council, together with Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Extension and Consortium Director; Mr. Neal A. Del Rosario, Director of the Small Ruminant Center and Consortium Deputy Director; and Assoc. Prof. Maria Adrielle S. Estigoy, Presidential Assistant for Strategic Communication and Regional Science Communication Cluster Coordinator. In his message, President Abella expressed his gratitude to the LGU of Carranglan for warmly welcoming CLSU and CLAARRDEC, emphasizing that the activity gave greater significance to the Consortium’s golden anniversary celebration. “Natutuwa po kami sa patuloy ninyong pagbahagi sa aming gawain. We continue to be partners for development,” he stressed. Anchored on the theme, “CLAARRDEC at 50: Connecting Science, Society, and Sustainability,” the tree-planting initiative symbolizes the Consortium’s enduring commitment to advancing sustainable development in agriculture, fisheries, environment, and natural resources. The planting of more than five hundred robusta coffee seedlings reflects CLAARRDEC’s continuing efforts to promote environmental conservation while strengthening partnerships with local communities. The activity was further supported by various civic organizations and vloggers/influencers and was made possible through the assistance of the CLSU Center for Climate Change and Environmental Management. In solidarity with the celebration, other CLAARRDEC member institutions will likewise conduct a tree-planting activity in their respective areas, demonstrating the Consortium’s shared commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation as it marks five decades of service to the region.

Jul. 03, 2026

CLSU Hosts 8 International Students for Filipino Language and Cultural Immersion

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.

Jun. 25, 2026

CLSU Ascends in the 2026 THE Impact Rankings, Secures Place in the 601–800 Band

Driven by its steadfast commitment to sustainability and global development, Central Luzon State University (CLSU) has successfully reclaimed the 601-800 overall ranking in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2026. This year’s edition evaluated 1,646 universities across 116 countries and territories. This achievement rests on CLSU's standout initiatives in SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water)—a direct result of the collective hard work, synergy, and dedication of the entire university network. The university’s strategic initiatives yielded impressive placements across various sustainable development frontiers: SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals 801-1000 SDG 2: Zero Hunger 201-300 SDG 3: Good Health and Well Being 1001+ SDG 4: Quality Education 401-600 SDG 5: Gender Equality 401-600 SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy 601-800 SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities 601-800 SDG 13: Climate Action 601-800 SDG 14: Life Below Water 201-300 SDG 15: Life on Land 401-600 University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella commended the faculty and staff for their dedication, noting that their passion and concrete initiatives are what drive CLSU's success in global sustainability. As CLSU continues to carve its path on the global stage, this achievement serves as both a milestone and a mandate. Moving forward, the university remains steadfast in its mission to innovate, collaborate, and lead initiatives that not only elevate its academic standing but also create a sustainable impact globally. #SievingForExcellence

Jun. 24, 2026

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