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

Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

SRC Team Bags 1st Place Best R&D Paper at NSAARRD; CLSU-based Reg’l Consortium Receives ‘Gold Milestone’ Award

Feb. 01, 2026

StratCom | SCO

The Small Ruminant Center (SRC) team, led by Director Neal A. Del Rosario clinched First Place, Best R&D Paper Award (Development Category) during the National Symposium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (NSAARRD) for their project titled “Let’s Doe Business: Goat Milk–Based Livelihood Opportunity to Mitigate the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic.” The award was conferred as part of the 53rd Anniversary of the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST–PCAARRD), held today, January 30, at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City. The award-winning paper highlighted an innovative livelihood intervention implemented during the pandemic, which empowered communities in Nueva Ecija by capacitating goat farmers and their family members in dairy goat production and milk processing. The initiative provided an alternative source of income while promoting food security and community resilience amid the health crisis. The team is composed of Dr. Edgar A. Orden, Assoc. Prof. Leny Lyn M. Del Rosario, Ms. Evadne S. Veluz, Ms. Lara Melissa Navalta, and Dr. Ma. Exelcis M. Orden. Earlier in the day, the Central Luzon Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (CLAARRDEC) was also recognized for attaining the Gold Milestone Award, marking nearly five decades of continuous service under its base agency, the Central Luzon State University (CLSU). Established in 1976, CLAARRDEC is among the pioneering regional consortia that helped lay the foundation of the country’s consortia system particularly for the Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR) sector. In addition, Ms. Rachelle Liberato, Science Research Analyst and member of the CLAARRDEC Secretariat, was honored for her more than three decades of dedicated service, a testament to her invaluable contributions to the consortium’s sustained success and effective operations. Leading the CLSU–CLAARRDEC delegation was Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, CLSU President and RRDCC Chair, and was joined by Engr. Romeolito G. Tacbian, DOST 3 Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations; Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz, CLSU Vice President for Research, Innovation and Extension and CLAARRDEC Director; Assoc. Prof. Maria Adrielle S. Estigoy, Presidential Assistant for CLSU Strategic Communication and CLAARRDEC Science Communication Cluster Coordinator; Mr. Florence Dave Asuncion, Presidential Office Staff; and Ms. Ellen Joy S. Brillo, CLAARRDEC Secretariat member. The long-standing partnership between DOST–PCAARRD and CLSU through CLAARRDEC has been instrumental in advancing the growth of the University and its member institutions in AANR. Through sustained technical assistance and resource support, the collaboration continues to strengthen research, innovation, and development initiatives that benefit both the academic community and the countryside. #SievingForExcellence #CLAARRDEC

Other Stories

CLSU Hosts 8 International Students for Filipino Language and Cultural Immersion

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) has opened its doors to eight international students from prestigious universities in the United States for a firsthand, immersive experience of the Filipino language, culture, and community traditions. The foreign delegates, who comprise four students from Harvard University, three from Northern Illinois University, and one from the University of California, Berkeley, are participating in two specialized tracks: the International Filipino Language and Culture Program and the Green and Global Philippines: Language, Culture, and Sustainability program. Led by the International Affairs Office (IAO), this short-term immersion is a collaborative effort with the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), specifically through the Department of Filipino and the Department of Global Studies. The initiative aims to foster deep cross-cultural understanding while offering the delegates an authentic taste of Filipino academic and community life. Upon their arrival, the international students immediately engaged with local customs. One of their first cultural activities was a trip to the local market for a traditional “pamamalengke.” The students received a quick lesson in haggling and successfully navigated the “tawad” culture while interacting with local vendors. Furthermore, the students traveled to nearby communities to learn the intricate art of community-based Sabutan Weaving, practicing the traditional craft alongside local artisans. They also immersed themselves in local spiritual traditions by participating in the unique Taong Putik Festival. In the coming weeks, the international students will participate in various cultural and agricultural activities, including rice planting, goat and carabao milking, and exploring heritage and historic sites across Luzon. The Green and Global Philippines: Language, Culture, and Sustainability program will run until July 3, 2026, while the International Filipino Language and Culture Program will continue until July 25, 2026. Through this collaborative effort, CLSU continues to strengthen its internationalization milestones and solidify its reputation as a leading hub for global academic exchange. By attracting top scholars from world-renowned institutions, the university demonstrates its capacity to bridge local heritage with impactful global education.

Jun. 25, 2026

CLSU Ascends in the 2026 THE Impact Rankings, Secures Place in the 601–800 Band

Driven by its steadfast commitment to sustainability and global development, Central Luzon State University (CLSU) has successfully reclaimed the 601-800 overall ranking in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2026. This year’s edition evaluated 1,646 universities across 116 countries and territories. This achievement rests on CLSU's standout initiatives in SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water)—a direct result of the collective hard work, synergy, and dedication of the entire university network. The university’s strategic initiatives yielded impressive placements across various sustainable development frontiers: SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals 801-1000 SDG 2: Zero Hunger 201-300 SDG 3: Good Health and Well Being 1001+ SDG 4: Quality Education 401-600 SDG 5: Gender Equality 401-600 SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy 601-800 SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities 601-800 SDG 13: Climate Action 601-800 SDG 14: Life Below Water 201-300 SDG 15: Life on Land 401-600 University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella commended the faculty and staff for their dedication, noting that their passion and concrete initiatives are what drive CLSU's success in global sustainability. As CLSU continues to carve its path on the global stage, this achievement serves as both a milestone and a mandate. Moving forward, the university remains steadfast in its mission to innovate, collaborate, and lead initiatives that not only elevate its academic standing but also create a sustainable impact globally. #SievingForExcellence

Jun. 24, 2026

Two CLSU Researchers Earn Top Honors at International Research Conference

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) once again proved its research excellence, as one of its faculty researchers and a research assistant received top awards during the 8th JAAP International Research and Development Conference, held on June 18–19, 2026, at Negros Oriental State University (NORSU), Dumaguete City. Dr. Garry A. Benico, faculty researcher of the College of Science and head of the Algal Diversity and Bioresources Laboratory (ADB Lab), secured First Place – Oral Paper Presenter in the Science and Health Category for his research presentation entitled “Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in the Philippines: Distribution, Taxonomy, and Emerging Threats.” His award-winning presentation highlighted the current status of harmful algal blooms in Philippine waters, emphasizing the diversity and distribution of bloom-forming microalgae, their impacts on fisheries and public health, and emerging challenges posed by climate change and coastal eutrophication. The study underscored the importance of strengthening monitoring systems and advancing research-based management strategies to mitigate HAB-related risks. Adding to CLSU’s success, Ms. Ma. Andrea L. Dismaya, a Research Assistant from the Freshwater Aquaculture Center (FAC) and College of Fisheries, was recognized as the Best Poster Presenter for her research poster titled “Upscaling of FaST Strain Breeding Nucleus for Wider Dissemination of Quality Broodstocks and Fingerlings for the Tilapia Industry.” The study was co-authored by Dr. Karl Marx A. Quaizon, Director of FAC and the President of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Alumni Association of the Philippines (JAAP). The award-winning poster highlighted efforts to strengthen the Philippine tilapia industry through the expansion of the FaST (FAC Selected Tilapia) strain breeding nucleus, ensuring the wider availability of high-quality broodstocks and fingerlings to fish farmers. The initiative supports increased productivity, genetic improvement, and sustainability within the country’s aquaculture sector. The conference, themed “Empowering Research, Shaping Resilient Futures: Global Collaboration for Scientific Innovation,” brought together researchers, scientists, educators, and industry practitioners from various academic and research institutions to share scientific advancements and foster international collaboration. The recognition received by Dr. Benico and Ms. Dismaya reflects CLSU’s continuing commitment to excellence in research, innovation, and knowledge generation. Their accomplishments underscore the university’s growing impact in aquatic science, fisheries, environmental research, and sustainable development. Congratulations, Dr. Benico and Ms. Dismaya!

Jun. 23, 2026

View More