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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

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CLSU Partners with CAFLI for Community Extension Program

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CHED Region III Brings Scholarship Caravan to CLSU

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office III successfully conducted its Information Caravan at Central Luzon State University (CLSU) on July 28, delivering crucial, targeted updates on government-funded academic opportunities designed for both undergraduate students and university employees. The event was organized as an immediate response to a request from the university to bring crucial details regarding government-funded educational opportunities directly to the campus community. During the opening remarks, Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco, Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized that education serves as a powerful tool for transforming lives and building a better future. She noted that while financial hurdles often complicate the pursuit of higher degrees, scholarships reward students who possess merit, potential, and a willingness to work hard. CHED Regional Director Dr. Maura Consolacion D. Cristobal explained that the caravan aims to deliver "pag-asa" (hope) to students facing financial deficits, particularly those managing high living and commuting expenses despite the availability of free tuition. The caravan highlighted several undergraduate and institutional grants under CHED's "ACHIEVE" national agenda, focusing primarily on advanced, accessible lifelong learning and efficient public service. For more details, visit the CHED Region 3 page at https://www.facebook.com/CHEDRegionalOffice3.

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CLSU, NAPC, UMANE Hold Symposium and Policy Forum on Food Security

The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) and the Utak Magsasaka Novo Ecijano (UMANE), in collaboration with Central Luzon State University (CLSU), convened a Symposium and Policy Forum on the Right to Adequate Food: Policy, Practice, and Human Dignity today, July 28, at the University Auditorium. The event gathered over 350 farmers, agricultural representatives, students, partner organizations, and guests who were eager to explore updated agricultural policies, legislation, best practices, and support programs of the government for Filipino farmers. Specifically, the event analyzed the policy framework and provided a direct platform for smallholder farmers and basic sectors to articulate structural challenges regarding market access, fair pricing, and production inputs; leveraged CLSU’s research in climate-resilient agriculture, biotechnology, and sustainable farming systems to offer scalable solutions; and to formulate a multi-sectoral "Nueva Ecija Declaration on the Right to Adequate Food" to serve as a policy brief for local and national lawmakers. During the opening program, CLSU President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella reaffirmed the university’s dedication to farmers as primary stakeholders. "This symposium is both timely and significant because it provides a venue where policymakers, researchers, agricultural experts, community leaders, and farmers can engage in meaningful dialogue. More importantly, it creates an opportunity to share ideas and recommendations that truly address the needs of our community. As a premier agricultural university, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing research, innovation, and extension programs that contribute directly to sustainable agricultural and rural development." Representing Nueva Ecija Governor Hon. Aurelio M. Umali as a keynote speaker, Atty. Jose Maria Caesar C. San Pedro highlighted key provincial initiatives, including the P20-per-kilo rice program, the promotion of biochar technology, and direct rice purchasing from local farmers. He emphasized that these programs aim to put people at the center of agricultural growth: "Ang tunay na sukatan ng ating tagumpay ay hindi lamang kung gaano karaming palay, sibuyas, o gulay ang ating naaani. Ang sukatan ay kung ang mga magsasaka ay may disenteng kita, kung ang bawat pamilya ay may sapat at masustansyang pagkain, at kung ang ating agricultural abundance ay nagiging oportunidad, seguridad, at dignidad para sa ating mga mamamayan,” he added. Distinguished guests and dignitaries in attendance included NAPC Lead Convenor Sec. Lope B. Santos III; Science City of Muñoz Mayor Hon. Baby Armi L. Alvarez, represented by OIC Municipal Agriculturist Mr. Leonel P. Parugrug; Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 3 Regional Technical Director for Operations Dr. Arthur D. Dayrit; former CLSU President and current Umane, Inc. President Dr. Rodolfo C. Undan; and Philippine Carabao Center Executive Director III Dr. Liza G. Battad.

Jul. 28, 2026

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Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines 3120
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