op@clsu.edu.ph (044) 940 8785
CLSU Logo

Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

University

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.

Related SDGs

Other Stories

CLSU Kickstarts SIBOL 2026 to Empower Student Incubatees

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) through the Agriculture and Food Technology Business Incubator (AFTBI) formally commenced the SIBOL 2026: Nurturing Ideas, Growing Innovations, Creating Impact: Empowering Student Incubatees to Build Sustainable and Innovative Ventures, today, September 14, through a Ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing, marking a significant step toward strengthening student innovation and entrepreneurship within the University. Organized in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), the program equips student incubatees with startup mentorship, financial modeling, intellectual property guidance, and technical evaluation. The ceremonial signing was led by University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, with Dr. Celyrah B. Castillo, Dean of the College of Home Science and Industry (CHSI); Dr. Pablo J. Rafael, Jr., CHED CLSU-SIBOL Project Leader; Dr. Dana G. Vera Cruz, CHED CLSU-SIBOL Project Staff; Dr. Joel G. Juvinal, Assoc. Prof. Geraldine G. Tayag, and Asst. Prof. Jennylyne L. Joaquin, CHED CLSU-SIBOL Mentors and Resource Speakers; Dr. Jessica M. Rustia and Instructor Kim Aron Velasco, CHED CLSU-SIBOL Mentors; and Assoc. Prof. Celeste D. Dela Cruz, Head of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management (DTHM), together with the thirteen student incubatees and their parents and guardians. In his message, President Abella encouraged the student incubatees to make the most of the experience. “Your ideas may still be at their beginning stages, but with proper guidance and your willingness to learn, these ideas can grow into innovations that will definitely create impact in our community,” he stated. Following the ceremonial signing, the 13 student incubatees from the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) and Bachelor of Science in Food Technology (BSFT) began a three-day training workshop featuring a series of learning sessions designed to strengthen their competencies and equip them for the further development and commercialization of their innovative ideas. Through this collaboration, CLSU, CHED, and DOST-PCAARRD continue to empower the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs to identify opportunities, address challenges, and develop solutions responsive to the needs of communities and industries.

Sep. 14, 2026

CLSU Reaps 2 Awards for Sustainable Tourism at 2026 CL Star Awards

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) earned two recognitions during the 2026 Central Luzon Star Awards held on September 10, 2026, at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. CLSU was recognized as the winner for Sustainable Tourism Education Leadership under the State Universities and Colleges Category, affirming the university’s commitment to promoting quality and sustainable tourism education and its continued contribution to the development of the tourism industry. Moreover, CLSU was also declared the Overall Destination Stewardship Champion, highlighting its continued commitment to responsible tourism and destination stewardship. The awards were received by Dr. Celyrah B. Castillo, Dean of the College of Home Science and Industry (CHSI), and Assoc. Prof. Celeste D. Dela Cruz, Chair of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management (DHTM), together with other faculty members from the CHSI – DHTM, who represented the university during the ceremony. These recognitions reflect the dedication of CLSU to excellence in tourism education and its efforts to contribute to the advancement of sustainable tourism in Central Luzon and beyond. #SievingForExcellence

Sep. 11, 2026

CLSU Graduate Programs Eye Approval for Level IV Accreditation

The graduate programs under the Institute of Graduate Studies (IGS) underwent a comprehensive three-day Level IV, 2nd Cycle accreditation survey visit conducted by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) from September 2 to 4, 2026. The rigorous evaluation covered eight advanced degree programs: Master in Agribusiness, Master of Science in Agricultural Economics, Master of Science in Crop Protection, Master of Science in Animal Science, Master of Science in Crop Science, Master of Science in Soil Science, Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science, and Doctor of Philosophy in Crop Science. During the closing program, Dr. Edgardo P. Lillo delivered the overall impression on behalf of the accrediting team, commending the college for sustaining high standards while maintaining the unique identity of each academic program. Dr. Lillo further highlighted key strengths including high-quality international research publications, strong alumni employability, active community engagement, highly qualified faculty roster, growing portfolio of patents and copyrights, state-of-the-art facilities, and robust local and international partnerships. In response, University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, represented by Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco, delivered the Pledge of Commitment, expressing deep gratitude to the AACCUP accreditors and the internal task force for their thorough evaluation. “We shall listen, learn, evaluate, innovate, and improve. As the CLSU community, we pledge to commit to quality, to lead with integrity and excellence, to serve with purpose and compassion, and to continuously pursue an unending journey of excellence,”

Sep. 04, 2026

View More
CLSU Data Privacy Seal of Registration

Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines 3120
  • Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
  • op@clsu.edu.ph
  • (044) 940 8785

Opportunities
E-Services
Feedback and Grievance Desk
Central Luzon State University values the voices of its students, faculty, staff, and the people it serves and is committed to continuously improve its services. As part of our commitment to quality and excellence, we encourage you to share your feedback, concerns, and suggestions.

To ensure your inputs are heard and addressed, we provide the following official channels for receiving feedback and grievances.
  • feedback@clsu.edu.ph
  • +63 9537 267 511
  • (044) 940 7030
© Copyright 2023 Central Luzon State University All Rights Reserved