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

Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

PhD Student from University of Virginia Immerses in Filipino Language and Culture Program

Jul. 26, 2024

Zorille Villaflores | CASS

The International Filipino Language and Culture Program implemented by the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) in collaboration with the International Affairs Office concluded the month-long immersive program participated by Robert Sanchis Alvarez, a PhD student from the University of Virginia, USA from June 10 to July 12, 2024. The program featured the rich tapestry of Filipino language and culture including intensive Filipino language lessons focusing on both speaking and grammar to ensure a robust linguistic foundation, and a series of cultural immersions which provided a first-hand understanding of Filipino traditions and ways of life. Traditional religious practices and beliefs were also included in the program where Alvarez witnessed the “Taong Putik” Festival, a unique and visually striking event that celebrates faith and tradition in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija. He also visited historical and cultural sites in Baler, Aurora, known for its beautiful beaches and historical significance, and the “Little Vigan” in Gapan, Nueva Ecija, a place that echoes the colonial past of the Philippines with its preserved architecture. Meanwhile, family immersion activities allowed Alvarez to experience everyday Filipino life, enhancing his understanding of familial and social structures. He also engaged in rice planting, a vital part of Filipino agriculture, and participated in a boodle fight, a traditional way of eating where food is served on banana leaves and eaten with hands, fostering camaraderie and a sense of community. Karaoke sessions added a fun and lively aspect to the immersion, as singing is a beloved pastime among Filipinos. On the other hand, Alvarez also contributed academically by delivering a lecture to some CASS students and faculty members on "Transnational Narratives in 19th Century Luzon." His lecture shed light on the intricate historical connections and narratives that have shaped the region, sparking engaging discussions and further enriching the academic environment of the program. The International Filipino Language and Culture Program led by its Program Manager, Assoc. Prof. Karryl Angelie Abon-Amis, aims to bridge linguistic and cultural gaps, fostering a deeper appreciation of history and the power of cultural exchange in building global connections and understanding.

Other Stories

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

View More