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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

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MAESTRO SINGERS BRING HOME GOLD FROM CANTATA MACAU 2019

Dec. 10, 2021

John Leo Ver Payawal | PAO

Top choirs around Asia gathered together to compete at the 4th Cantata Macau International Choral Competition and Festival in Macau last November 8-10, 2019. This year’s Cantata Festival brought together choral groups from Hong Kong, the People’s Republic of China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Singapore. Central Luzon State University’s Maestro Singers competed at said event, representing the university in two choral group categories. Weeks of intensive rehearsals starting from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm during weekdays bore fruit when the choral group won gold and silver in the said competition. The Maestro singers performed Stroope’s “We Beheld Again the Stars,” Monteverdi’s “Ecco mormorar l'onde” and Palaruan’s “Gapas” for the Open Mix category that earned them the Gold. The group also competed on the Sacred Music category where they won silver performing selected compositions from the 1600 to present. “It was really a tough competition because there are a lot of choirs there who competed na talaga namang top caliber choral groups,” Maestro Singers conductor and Trainer Dr. Florante P. Ibarra stated in an interview. The Cantata Macau International Choral Competition and Festival aims to re-establish Macau as a place of spiritual heritage, and not just a “gambler’s destination.” Upon their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on November 12, the Maestro Singers immediately went to Pampanga to participate at the Culture and Arts Festival of State Universities and Colleges, Region III (CAASUC III) 2019. The choral group was able to place first runner up in the Traditional Choir category and at second runner up in the Show Choir category. After their accomplishments in the 4th Cantata Macau and the 2019 CAASUC III, the Maestro Singers are gearing up for an upcoming competition in Japan this coming July 2020.

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2 CEd Faculty Headline Seminar-Workshop on Strengthening English Language in Thailand

Two faculty from the College of Education (CEd) were featured speakers at an international seminar-workshop aimed at strengthening English language instruction held at Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS), Thailand on May 29–30, 2025, bringing together educators in different disciplines and language specialists. The two-day event, hosted by RUTS Songhkla Campus, provided university-level English instructors with fresh perspectives, innovative models, and effective teaching strategies in the use of technology designed to meet the evolving demands of English Language Education in Thailand. One of the highlights of the seminar workshop was the presentation of teaching models by CED faculty members - Dr. Myla L. Santos and Dr. Rolando D. Dollete. With over three decades of experience in curriculum design and teacher training, they both shared actionable insights on using more English in the classroom and teaching methods with digital tools to create more engaging and student-centered learning environments. The event featured panel discussions and collaborative activities on task-based learning, assessment in multilingual classrooms, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in language education. “This workshop was not just about teaching English—it was about transforming classrooms into spaces where students actively use the English language to explore, express, and connect,” said Dr. Panumas Suybangdum, RUTS Vice President during the opening program. Dr. Somporn Chunaowarat, Director of the RUTS Language Center, in turn, emphasized the seminar’s role in professional development stating “This event equips our instructors with innovative and practical tools to elevate their teaching in English and, ultimately, their students' success. The seminar concluded with micro demonstration teaching sessions where participants shared on the challenges of English language teaching in Thailand and proposed actionable solutions for the future. Finally, Dr. Boonyarit Omanee, Dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts extends his hopes that CLSU will send teaching interns this Academic Year to RUTS Campuses as part of the MOU between CLSU and RUTS. Meanwhile, Dr. Florante P. Ibarra, CEd Dean, who spearheaded the arrangements of the concluded seminar, agreed with the request and proposal for faculty research exchange programs as well, further strengthening the internationalization initiatives of the College and the University. #SievingForExcellence

Jun. 13, 2025

CLSU President Inspires CLTL-USHS Graduates and Completers

Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, President of Central Luzon State University (CLSU) and a proud alumnus of the pioneering batch of University Science High School (USHS) served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker for the 47th Annual Recognition & Promotion, 10th Completion Ceremonies, and 7th Senior High School Graduation Rites held today, June 13 at the University Auditorium. Guided by the theme “Generation of Unity: Partners for the New Philippines”, the event honors the hard work and achievements of 77 Senior High School Graduates and 66 Junior High School Completers. Mr. Nathan Danedith Benedicto was named class valedictorian, leading his batch with 33 high honor recipients and 39 with honor awards. Among the Junior High School completers, Ms. Angela Patriz A. Geronimo led her class, with two others receiving the highest honors, 18 with high honors, and 41 with honors. Both of them delivered inspiring messages to their fellow graduates. Meanwhile, in his keynote address, President Abella warmly congratulated the students on successfully navigating their academic journeys and acknowledged their resilience, stating, "Alam ko na marami kayong kwento paano nyo napagtagumpayan, naipasa, nakabawi at natagpos ang inyong mga subjects. Mga panahong hindi natutulog para sa investigatory projects and research, and yet nakakuha pa rin ng mababang marka, ang iba pa nga ay nagkaroon ng line of 7 na marka, pero hindi kayo sumuko. You have hurdled them all.” He also emphasized the true meaning of excellence and intelligence, urging them to become better Filipino citizens. “As young Filipinos, do not wait to be asked to care, to help, to act. Be the one who sees the good in others and helps bring out the best in them. Be someone who is not just excellent in academics, but excellent in character,” said Dr. Abella. Moreover, he extended his heartfelt congratulations to the parents, recognizing their unwavering sacrifices. He offered crucial advice, stressing the importance of encouragement over pressure. “Let our love be their compass to reach their dreams, because we are their strongest support system. Do not pressure your children. Kapag mababa po ang nakuha na marka, wag ninyong pagagalitan, bagkus iencourage. Wag nyong hahanapin ang sarili ninyo sa anak ninyo sapagkat ang anak ninyo ay unique individuals. Ang kaylangan ng anak natin ay pag uunawa sa panahon ng kanilang pagkakalugmok at malalim na problem,” he expresses. On the other hand, Dr. Emmanuel Vera Cruz, Vice President for Research and Extension and Dr. Rubigilda P. Alili, University Research Program Office Director, presented the Merit Awards for best thesis, scientist award, and leaders of the year award. Meanwhile, the awarding of certificates and diplomas were led by President Abella, assisted by Dr. Ravelina Velasco, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Florante P. Ibarra, Dean of the College of Education; Dr. Catalina Cadiz, Head of the CLSU Laboratory for Teaching and Learning (CLTL); and Dr. Lexter R. Natividad, In-charge of CLTL-USHS. The graduating class concluded the ceremony with a poignant farewell song, a fitting tribute as they embark on the next chapter of their academic journeys. #SievingForExcellence

Jun. 13, 2025

CHSI-DFST Faculty Completes SEARCA's Program for Leaders in Asian Agriculture and Development

Dr. Joel G. Juvinal, faculty and current head of the Department of Food Science and Technology (DFST), College of Home Science and Industry (CHSI), has successfully completed the rigorous Executive Program for Leaders in Asian Agriculture and Development (LAAD): Focus on Southeast Asia, which ran from May to June 2025 and was organized by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA). Dr. Juvinal was one of the few selected participants awarded with a training grant from SEARCA to support his participation. The LAAD program is designed to equip agricultural leaders with up-to-date insights on regional agricultural and food systems. It also sharpens skills in strategic thinking, innovation, and institutional transformation. A key component of the course involved the development of a futuring project based on the theory of change, with each project specifically tailored to the participant’s home institution. The program successfully brought together 26 participants from various Southeast Asian nations, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam, fostering a collaborative environment for regional agricultural advancement.

Jun. 11, 2025

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