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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Cultivating Success: An Agri Student’s Path from Uncertainty to Excellence

Feb. 20, 2025

StratCom | SCO

"Stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing the unfamiliar cultivates growth, resilience, and independence." These words resonate deeply with the journey of Ms. Kate Briones Marquez, a determined 23-year-old from Urdaneta, Pangasinan, who bravely conquered her fear of the unknown when she transferred to Central Luzon State University (CLSU) as a second-year student. This leap of faith opened a new path filled with discovery and led her to achieve Latin Honors. Leaving the familiar warmth of her family home with her parents, Mr. Billy Marquez (46) and Mrs. Sañata Marquez (45), Kate sought the independence that comes with navigating life on her own. CLSU became the foundation for this new chapter—a place where she could cultivate not only her academic pursuits but also her personal growth. “Wala akong kahit isang kakilala dito noon sa College of Agriculture, tanging Office of Admission at Office of Student Affairs ang alam kong opisina,” she shared. This led her to conquer life as a student saying “Noong mga panahong iyon, natutunan ko talaga maging independent, wala kasi akong ibang aasahan.” As a newcomer, she faced the challenge of fitting in, knowing no one in her class. Despite the uncertainty, she stood firm, mustered her courage, and gradually adjusted to university life. Kate is a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA) major in Crop Protection student. She believes it was destiny that led her to the agricultural sector. When she was searching for a course to pursue, agriculture suddenly seemed like a promising choice. Studying BSA opened her eyes to the significance of farming and debunked the myths she once believed. It made her realize the vital role she plays in supporting the agricultural sector and uplifting small-scale farmers. Like many students, Kate encountered her academic nemesis—her thesis—which took nearly a year to yield positive results. Yet, this challenging chapter did not diminish her dedication and drive. Instead, she faced it with courage and passion for success, ultimately earning the distinction of Magna Cum Laude in the 34th Midyear Commencement Exercises with a General Weighted Average of 1.41. “Nahirapan talaga ako. Sa thesis title pa lang, parang halos tatlong beses akong nagpalit, and it’s a trial-and-error process—hindi agad-agad makukuha mo yung magandang resulta. Dito ko napatunayan na kailangan talaga ng pasensya, tiyaga, at determinasyon sa lahat ng aspeto ng buhay, maging sa pag-aaral man o sa buhay,” Ms. Marquez concluded. Her journey exemplifies perseverance and the ability to find passion in unexpected places. Kate's story is an inspiration to all, demonstrating that stepping into the unknown and embracing challenges are essential ingredients for success, both academically and personally. You may access the e-copy of the following programs at https://tinyurl.com/34THPROGRAM #CLSU34thMidyearCommencementExercise #FromClassroomToGradSite #SievingForExcellence

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CLSU Continually Demonstrates Commitment to Quality Education through Accreditation

With CLSU’s continuous pursuit of excellence, six of its academic programs underwent accreditation evaluation by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) from October 20 to 22, 2025. The following programs - BS Development Communication, BS Statistics, and MS Biology aimed for level IV accreditation. At the same time, the BS Psychology, BS Hospitality Management, and PhD Aquaculture, were evaluated for Level III status. Dr. Elsie M. Pacho, the Coordinator for Level IV Accreditation, lauded CLSU’s performance where she stated that as a state institution, the University’s role in shaping the region's intellectual and socioeconomic landscape is evident and commendable. "Your programs demonstrated a robust academic foundation complemented by innovative teaching methods and a sustained culture of research, community engagements, as well as international networking and linkages,” she stressed. On the other hand, Dr. Ronald M. Ramirez, represented by Dr. Eva Marie C. Avila, assured the task force that as external partners of the university, they are also committed to fostering excellence for the university to achieve its goal. “We will make a very objective assessment and make recommendations for the benefit of your programs, your colleagues, and your institution. To achieve world-class service and excellence,” Dr. Avila said. University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella acknowledged the value of the external review, stating, "With your guidance from an outside perspective, we now know our strength and the areas that we need to improve." He also affirmed the institution's unwavering commitment to implementing the recommendations where he expressed the University’s commitment to abide by the observations of accreditors, uphold quality and integrity in the curricular offerings, strengthen systems, and maintain the standards that define CLSU. CLSU's proactive engagement with the AACCUP process underscores its dedication to maintaining high standards and evolving into a globally competitive educational institution. #SievingForExcellence

Oct. 24, 2025

CLSU, CLAARRDEC Lead Nat’l Tilapia FIESTA

The Central Luzon State University (CLSU), as the seat of the Central Luzon Agriculture, Aquatic, Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (CLAARRDEC), successfully led and hosted the National Cluster Tilapia Farms and Industry Encounters through S&T Agenda (FIESTA) from October 21-23, 2025, at San Fernando City, Pampanga. The Tilapia FIESTA unfolded under the theme “From Pond to Plate: Celebrating a Sustainable Tilapia Industry,” which highlighted the collaborative efforts of scientists, researchers, farmers, aquapreneurs, and stakeholders in sustaining and strengthening the country’s tilapia sector. The keynote speaker, Mr. Florendo ‘Jon’ G. Juico, Jr., PhilTilapia National President, shared that the theme beautifully captured the heart of what they do as tilapia growers. “It reminds us that sustainability is not a one-time act but a way of life – it begins in the pond in the hands of our hardworking farmers, and it ends on the plate where families share the fruits of our labor,” he said. Tilapia FIESTA serves as a convergence of great minds, institutions, and partners with one shared goal — to strengthen and sustain the tilapia industry in the Philippines. According to Assoc. Prof. Maria Adrielle S. Estigoy, Tilapia FIESTA project leader and CLAARRDEC Science Communication Cluster Coordinator, “Tilapia FIESTA is more than just a showcase of technologies. It’s a celebration of collaboration and community. Each innovation presented here represents the hard work of our researchers and the resilience of our fisherfolk who bring tilapia from ponds to every Filipino plate.” CLSU President and CLAARRDEC RRDCC Chair Dr. Evaristo A. Abella highlighted that the event reinforces the united efforts to build a more competitive and inclusive aquaculture industry. “This historic gathering solidifies the collaboration of seven regional consortia creating a venue for researchers, aquaculture practitioners, fisherfolk, government agencies, higher education institutions, and other stakeholders who share a common goal to strengthen and sustain the tilapia industry in our country,” he said. Bringing together farmers, experts, investors, students, and industry stakeholders, the three-day celebration provided a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, business matching, and technology promotion, fostering partnerships that drive innovation and inclusivity in the tilapia value chain. Dr. Rafael Guerrero III, Academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology and an aquaculture scientist known for his pioneering work on the development of sex reversal and hatchery techniques on tilapia, served as a plenary speaker where he shared that technologies are already there, however, to be successful in the tilapia venture, he encouraged the farmers and growers to embrace the Filipino core values – pagkakaisa, pagtutulungan, pagbibigayan, pagpupursige, at pagtitiwala. One of the event’s major highlights was the Tilapia Cook Festival, which showcased tilapia as the star ingredient in a friendly cook-off. Participants from Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bohol, and Cebu proudly presented their regional delicacies, each reflecting their unique culinary flair. The festival also featured an exciting Cooking Show led by renowned chefs — Chef Jr Royol of GMA 7’s Farm to Table and Chef Hazel Anonuevo, popularly known as Hazel Cheffy, a celebrated content creator and influencer with over 3 million followers. On the final day, experts presented various tilapia technologies to the participants, showcasing innovations that advance sustainable aquaculture practices. To conclude the event, a recognition ceremony was held in honor of selected farmers and cooperatives from the seven participating regions. These awardees were acknowledged for their exemplary efforts in adopting and applying technologies developed and promoted by the different consortium member institutions, truly embodying the spirit of tilapia growers who feed the nation. Tilapia FIESTA was organized by seven regional consortia, led by CLAARRDEC with Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz as Director. Partner consortia include the Visayas Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Program (ViCARP), MIMAROPA Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (MAARRDEC), Central Visayas Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (CVAARRDEC), Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVAARDEC), Cagayan Valley Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (CVAARRD), and the Northern Mindanao Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (NOMCAARRD). It was also assisted by the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Region 3 and fully supported by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD). As Tilapia FIESTA 2025 unfolded, it reaffirmed the country’s commitment to building a resilient, technology-driven, and sustainable aquaculture industry—one that connects science and society, from pond to plate. #TilapiaFIESTA #CLAARRDEC #DOSTPCAARRD

Oct. 24, 2025

CBA’s KaKaAni Ice Cream Scoops 1st Runner-Up in PCCI’s BIDA

A remarkable taste of innovation from Central Luzon State University (CLSU) has captured national attention as the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) Tropea’s KaKaAni Ice Cream, a student-led enterprise, has clinched 1st Runner-Up in the Food Category of the prestigious Business and Development Awards (BiDA), organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). Outshining hundreds of entries from across the Philippines, the KaKaAni team advanced through three rigorous stages of competition, culminating in a final judging held at the PCCI headquarters in Taguig City on September 29, 2025. The team formally received their award at the SMX Convention on October 21, 2025. This national recognition highlights the team's creativity, determination, and dedication to promoting Filipino culture and innovation through entrepreneurship. The KaKaAni team is composed of entrepreneurship students Mark Lester Quimpo, Francine Olar, Jensel Abuan, Pauline De Vera, and Jelomie Catabona, under the mentorship of Ms. Via Shane R. Santiago. More than a dessert, KaKaAni Ice Cream is a tribute to Filipino heritage—crafted with nostalgic flavors and locally sourced ingredients that embody comfort, culture, and community. Each scoop represents not only a delightful treat but also a symbol of success, tradition, and the sweet potential of homegrown innovation. The milestone reinforces CLSU’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of visionary and socially responsible Filipino entrepreneurs, equipped to bring pride and progress to their communities and the nation. #SievingForExcellence

Oct. 22, 2025

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