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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

CLSU Secures P7.4M Innovation Grant from DEPDev to Boost Food MSMEs in the Region

Nov. 21, 2025

StratCom | SCO

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) through the College of Home Science and Industry-Department of Food Science and Technology (DFST) received a financial grant from the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev), amounting to P7,446,200.00, to enhance its capacity to support local food businesses in the region. The funding for the project, "Enhancement of the CLSU Sensory and Consumer Science Laboratory for Accelerated Food Product Development for Central Luzon MSMEs," will be utilized to support at least 70 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in developing and refining new food products, helping them become more competitive in the market. According to Dr. Joel G. Juvinal, current Head of DFST and the designated Project Leader for the grant, one of its objectives is the acquisition of advanced equipment and new tools that will directly support the laboratory's efforts to provide high-level scientific and technical assistance to its partner MSMEs. The project aims to significantly reduce product development failures and increase commercialization success. This will be done by upgrading laboratory facilities and equipment, offering structured sensory and consumer testing services, and building a regional database of consumer insights. “It will serve as a sustainable platform for industry-academe collaboration, empower local food entrepreneurs, and contribute to regional economic development through innovation-driven support for small-scale food enterprises in Central Luzon,” Dr. Juvinal said. Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, University President, extended his sincere gratitude to the DepDev for supporting the university's mission to improve the community and pledged the responsible and efficient use of the grant to ensure the greatest benefit for the region’s food industry. The grant received was one of the 11 new projects approved for funding under the 2025 Innovation Grants by DEPDev, which are designed to strengthen local communities and industries, enhance public service delivery, restore and protect vital ecosystems, and advance safety and resilience.

Other Stories

CBA CPALE Takers Surpass National Passing

Central Luzon State University, through the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA), achieved a 48.65% institutional passing rate in the May 2026 Certified Public Accountants Licensure Examination (CPALE) administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). This feat easily surpassed the national passing rate of 30.83%, welcoming 18 newly licensed accountants, composed of 13 first-time takers (44.83%) and 5 retakers (62.50%). The University extends its congratulations to our 'Golden Grains.' Your unwavering dedication, discipline, and hard work have officially paid off. To those who fell short this time, please remember that this examination does not define your capabilities or your future. Take this moment to rest, recalibrate, and know that your journey continues tomorrow with new strength and wisdom. Congratulations to our new accountants! List of Passers: 1. ABEJO, JOSSEL NAVARRO 2. ADEL, REGINE SARMIENTO 3. BAASIS, DIANNE FAITH CASERO 4. CAMACHO, CHRISTEL JOY STA MARIA 5. FELICIANO, TRISIA MAYUMI PASARDAN 6. GONZALES, JOHN MICHAEL DUMALE 7. HIZON, GRACE ARRA CAMPBELL ANGELES 8. LANUZA, PSALM JOYCE VERGARA 9. LORENZO, LYKA JOAQUIN 10. MANUEL, MARY ANN TIMBAS 11. MARIANO, KIM PATRICK MARCELO 12. MIRANO, DAISY GRACE CARIAGA 13. SALAZAR, MARY VERONICA DIZON 14. SANTILLAN, ARLAINE MAE JAVALUYAS 15. SAPANG, KYELA MAE ANTIMANO 16. SIMORIO, CLARISSA DELA CRUZ 17. VILLANEA, RICALYN DIAZ 18. YAMBOT, CHARLENE JOY DEPILLO

Jun. 03, 2026

CLSU Welcomes 3rd Batch of Youth Science Program

The Central Luzon State University (CLSU) officially welcomes the Batch 3 students from the Philippine Science High School Luzon campuses: Cagayan Valley Campus, Bicol Region Campus, Central Luzon Campus, and CALABARZON Campus for the DOST-PCAARRD Youth Science Program (DPYSP), which will run from May 25 to June 17, 2026. This 15-day program marks another meaningful journey of mentoring, immersion, and community of practice, aiming to inspire young minds to see the Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR) sector as a field of innovation, leadership, and nation-building. Throughout the program, the participants will be guided by mentors and resource persons, comprising experts from CLSU and the Community of Elders of DOST-PCAARRD, who will share their knowledge, experience, and inspiration in the fields of science, technology, agriculture, aquatic resources, and natural resources. Building from the accomplishments of Year 1, DPYSP continues to provide senior high school students with opportunities to engage with scientists, researchers, mentors, and communities through hands-on learning experiences. More than learning about agriculture and science, the program aims to strengthen students’ awareness, positive perceptions, and aspirations for S&T careers in AANR, showing them that agriculture is not only about farming but also about technology, research, sustainability, and service to communities. The project is led by Dr. Melanie P. Tolentino, together with Mr. Junior M. Pacol and Ms. Erica Fae De Fiesta as project staff, and Ms. Lovely Sacare and Mr. Brandon Alan N. Lamson as research assistants.

Jun. 02, 2026

CLSU Expands Partnerships to Advance Community Welfare and Mental Health Initiatives

Central Luzon State University (CLSU), through the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), formally inked its partnership with Tahanan ng Banal na Awa (TBA) and the Science City of Muñoz OFW Federation (SCMOF) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing Ceremony held on May 7, 2026, at the Conference Room, New Administration building, CLSU. This meaningful partnership reflects CLSU’s commitment through an initiative titled “CLSU - C.A.R.E.S — Cultivating Awareness, Resilience, Empowerment, and Support” which aims to promote psycho-social support, mental health awareness, counseling services, capacity-building seminars, and community-based interventions for children, OFW families, and communities across Nueva Ecija. Leading the ceremony were Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz, Vice President for Research and Extension, representing University President Dr. Evaristo Abella, and Dr. Irene G. Bustos, Dean of Student Affairs. Also present were stakeholder representatives Ms. Anita De Guzman, President of the SCMOF, together with their Auditor, Ms. Reona G. Dumaya; and Rev. Fr. Ricardo N. Pangilinan, Jr., Director of Tahanan ng Banal na Awa, accompanied by Sister Catherine D. Ba-A, Residential Social Worker. The event was likewise attended by OSA Faculty members, Asst. Prof. Bernadette O. Binayug, OSA Extension Coordinator, Dr. Jayson Marzan, Anak at Kapamilya ng OFW (AKO) Focal Person, OSA staff, and other guests. Through this collaboration, CLSU, TBA, and SCMOF reaffirm their commitment to compassion, resilience, holistic care, and community empowerment for the welfare of children, OFW families, and the communities they serve.

May. 14, 2026

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