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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

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CLSU Secures DOST funding for PEST D-TECH project under MECO-TECO JRP

Jun. 06, 2023

Ronel Runes, & Lea Caguiat | SCO

The Central Luzon State University (CLSU) secured a new project funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) through the Agricultural Resources Management Research Division (ARMRD) under the Manila Economic and Cultural Office – Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (MECO-TECO) Cooperation Scheme launched last May 3, 2023, in a hybrid event.   The project titled "Monitoring and Management of Major Pests and Diseases of Corn and Onion through Robotics and Drone Technology (PEST D-TECH)", will be led by Dr. Gella Patria Abella, Head of the Institute for Climate Change and Environmental Management (ICCEM).   PEST D-TECH has been approved for a total budget of PHP 10,000,000.00 which will run from April 2023 to March 2025.  It is a collaborative project with Dr. Ping-Lang Yen of the National Taiwan University (NTU) to employ sophisticated equipment such as drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) and robotics (unmanned ground vehicles), equipped with powerful multispectral cameras and sensors.   The event was attended by the project leader, project staff, stakeholders from CLSU and DLSU, and project monitoring officials from DOST-PCAARRD, who gathered to discuss the project’s goals, objectives, timelines, and resources required for successful implementation. Also, it was attended by New Hope Precision Agriculture Corporation, PEST D-TECH’s licensed drone service provider, to draft the service level agreement of the two collaborating parties. The attendees from CLSU convened at the Climate Change Center (CCC), ICCEM.   The project aims to collect the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) through remote sensing and hopes to produce crop monitoring systems that will help farmers avoid income losses caused by pests and diseases. The reflected intensities of visible and near-infrared lights will be used to determine crop health and assess crop condition, and photosynthetic activities. Moreover, it will also focus on identifying and addressing pests and diseases in onion and corn crops in selected sites in Nueva Ecija and Tarlac. 

Related SDGs
  • 15

    Goal 15: Life on Land

  • 17

    Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals

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CLSU Partners with CAFLI for Community Extension Program

Central Luzon State University (CLSU), through the College of Engineering - Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (DABE) and the Center for Renewable Energy and Technology (CREaTe), formalized a collaborative partnership with Circula Alternative Fuels Luzon, Inc. (CAFLI), Infinity Vista Properties Corp. (IVP), and the Municipality of Anao, Tarlac through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) held on July 28, 2026. CLSU will serve as a research arm of CAFLI’s Corporate Social Responsibility, which includes designing a 1,000 sqm greenhouse demo farm that utilizes vertical aquaponics and other innovative, sustainable, and resource-efficient agricultural technologies that enhance agricultural productivity, optimize resource utilization, and promote climate resilience. The partnership aims to advance sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and research-driven innovation through collaborative research, technology demonstration, and community extension initiatives, Leading the MOU signing were University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella and Mr. Alastair Gillespie, President of CAFLI. As a testament to its commitment, Mr. Obi Mbakwe, Operations Manager of CAFLI, stated that their corporation will provide an annual research grant of P200,000.00 to BSABE students for an initial period of three years, with the intention of sustaining the program beyond its initial term. #SievingForExcellence

Jul. 30, 2026

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.

Jul. 29, 2026

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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