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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

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EXHIBIT ON "UNDERSTANDING ARAQUIO" HELD IN CLSU

Dec. 10, 2021

PAO | PAO

A public exhibit entitled “Understanding Araquio: Tracing the Steps, Music, and Visual Exhibit” was held at the CLSU Agricultural Museum last March 25. Dr. Reyes tackled the relevance of culture to Araquio, a century-old theatre ritual in honor of the Holy Cross perform every month of May in Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija. Practitioners believe that this theatrical genre existed when the first brass band of the town was established. Written in archaic Tagalog verse form, the play includes conventions like stylized delivery of the verses, marching formations, choreographed fights, songs and artificial effects. “Kung walang ugat, walang puno. Kung walang ugat, hindi magiging mayabong”, Dr. Reyes depicted the essence of culture through the use of allegory. He also pointed that the research will serve as the bridge that will strengthen the connection of the Filipinos and their culture. This captured the interest of Dr. Gaboy to conduct a research about Araquio, along with his co-researchers: Dr. Florante P. Ibarra, Dr. Jay B. Villafria Jr., and Mr. Adonis Voltaire M. Villanueva; and his research assistants: Keiven A. Encarnacion, Gio A. Ferrer, Angeline E. Micua, and Paolo Carl E. Soliven. Particularly, the project aims to trace the historical background of Araquio; to transcribe notation, record the music and dance of Araquio; to document the performance of Araquio with highlights on visuals, history, music and dance; publish the book and distribute among schools, museums, tourism offices, and libraries; and launch exhibits and lectures in schools and different fora to popularize Araquio among the youth of the present generation. The project exhibit is a joint project of the Center for Central Luzon Studies and of Commission on Higher Education and National Commission for Culture and the Arts through the Salikha Creative Research Grant. It is ongoing for 18 months from July 2018 to December 2019.  Meanwhile, the project exhibit was graced by the CLSU officials headed by Dr. Tereso A. Abella, University President; and Dr. Renato G. Reyes, Vice President for Academic Affairs; other members of the CLSU Administrative Council; faculty and staff; and special guests Araquio mentors from Brgy. Sto. Tomas and Sinasajan, Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija.

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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

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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.

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