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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. 

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AACCUP Accreditation Ends with Evaluators Commending the 4 Programs’ Strong Curriculum

The Central Luzon State University (CLSU), through the College of Science (CoS), concluded a five-day accreditation visit by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) from September 1 to 5, 2025. The accreditation focused on four academic programs: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (BS Math), Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (BSES), Bachelor of Science in Meteorology (BSMet), and Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Management. Team leader Dr. Lawrence Anthony U. Dollente delivered the overall impressions, commending each program for its strengths and identifying areas for improvement. For BS Math, Dr. Dollente praised the program's commitment to academic quality, noting its relevant curriculum and competent faculty. He also highlighted that students are well-prepared for teaching, research, and industry careers. Meanwhile, the BS Environmental Science program was recognized for its highly competent and dedicated faculty, who have published in reputable journals and are actively involved in community extension work. Dr. Dollente also commended the PhD in Environmental Management program for its strong academic leadership, robust governance, and solid commitment to quality assurance and innovation. For the preliminary visit of the BS Meteorology program, Prof. Alex Garibay Jr. complimented its readiness for Level 1 accreditation, citing a strong curriculum, effective instruction, and published research. Dr. Dollente further affirmed CLSU’s status as a leading institution. "Its distinctive strengths in faculty qualification, research linkages, extension services, library modernization, and academic governance solidify its position as a leading institution in the region and beyond," he stated. In response, University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella pledged the university's commitment to continuous improvement, stating, "Your feedback has given us a roadmap to ensure that CLSU remains steadfast in its mission to provide quality instruction, conduct meaningful research, and extend services that truly uplift communities.”

Sep. 05, 2025

CenTrAD, CVSM Hold VetALERT Training to Enhance Veterinary Capacity

In an effort to build stronger veterinary capacity, the Center for Transboundary Diseases (CenTrAD) and the College of Veterinary Science and Medicine (CVSM) held a training workshop entitled Advancing Livestock Enterprise and Resource Training Program for Veterinarians (VetALERT): Strengthening Diagnostic Competence in Pathology and Transferrable Veterinary Skills on August 26-29, 2025. In her Opening Remarks, Dr. Virginia M. Venturina, Director of CenTrAD, warmly welcomed the participants and underscored the significance of the activity in advancing veterinary practice, emphasizing its role in enhancing professional growth and ensuring quality service. Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco, CLSU Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Corrie Brown, LifeStock International Executive Director; Dr. Christian P. Daquigan, DA-BAI OIC Director; Dr. Jerry V. Alcantara, PVMA President; and Dr. Noraine P. Medina, CVSM Professor, delivered messages of support. They also highlighted the significance of partnership and collaboration in advancing veterinary services. Also, Dr. Janice S. Garcia, Head of the DA-BAI National ASF Prevention and Control Program, presented a comprehensive presentation on the topic “Navigating the Landscape: Challenges in Field Detection of Emerging Animal Diseases.” The session started with a lecture on Introduction to Adult Learning facilitated by Dr. Brown, followed by scenario-based discussions on avian diseases jointly conducted by Dr. Brown, Dr. Nicholas Streitenberger, and Dr. Kelsey Fiddes of the Global Health Pathology Network. The program, facilitated by Dr. Mark Andrew N. Cuento, a member of the Philippine College of Poultry Practitioners and a recognized expert in poultry, concluded with an interactive hands-on training on chicken necropsy, sample collection, handling, storage, packaging, and report writing. The VetALERT training workshop drew participation from the academe and government veterinarians representing various regions nationwide. Photo by: The Speculum- CVSM

Aug. 29, 2025

CLSU Maestro-Singers Earn Gold in Musica Sacra at AOV Choral Festival

Representing Central Luzon State University with artistry and excellence, the CLSU Maestro-Singers proudly won the Gold Diploma Award in the Musica Sacra category at the recently concluded Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival 2025, held from August 20 to 24, 2025. The Musica Sacra competition happened at the Church of the Gesù at Ateneo de Manila University. The CLSU Maestro-Singers performed the following sacred masterpieces: - Christus Factus Est by Anton Bruckner - Tu es Petrus by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina - Crux Fidelis arranged by Alejandro D. Consolacion II Competing against 18 of the country’s top choral ensembles, the CLSU Maestro – Singers showcased their unwavering passion and commitment to the choral arts, bringing pride and honor to the university and the nation.

Aug. 28, 2025

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