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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

10 Universities in Southeast Asia join CLSU’s flagship International Mobility Program with SEARCA and University Consortium

Jul. 24, 2024

Parsons N. Hail | IAO

A total of 10 universities from across Southeast Asia are participating in this year’s edition of the International Summer Short-Term Program on Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability on the university campus for the next two weeks until August 2. The fourth installment of this international mobility program is a joint activity of the Central Luzon State University and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and the Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (University Consortium) The participating universities from the University Consortium include Universitas Gadjah Madah (Indonesia), Universiti Putra Malaysia (Malaysia), IPB University (Indonesia), Maejo University (Thailand), Visayas State University, University of the Philippines Los Banos and Central Luzon State University. Participants from these universities received travel support grants from the University Consortium. Outside the consortium, this year’s participants came from Mae Fah Luang University (Thailand), An Giang University (Vietnam), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (Malaysia), and Universitas Pakuan (Indonesia). During the opening ceremony on July 22, President Evaristo A. Abella of CLSU emphasized the crucial importance of sustaining the collaborative International Mobility Program, underscoring its role in preparing youth and future leaders in agriculture for sustainable leadership, highlighting CLSU’s commitment to promoting mutually beneficial cooperation among member institutions, and optimizing collective consortium resources through robust linkages in collaborative research projects and student mobility opportunities to address multiple sustainable development goals. Ms. Blessie Saez, Senior Program Associate, Education and Collective Learning Department of SEARCA, represented both the SEARCA and the University Consortium during the event and also provided an overview of both organizations and the available opportunities for graduate students as well as university staff. She also led the learning materials donation to the University Library from the SEARCA publications. In her recorded message, Dr. Nur Azura Binti Adam, Deputy Director of SEARCA, encouraged participants to make the most out of this program by actively participating in all activities, showing their insights, and building and expanding their professional network. She emphasized that their involvement would enhance both their academic and professional growth and contribute to developing sustainable solutions to pressing challenges in the agriculture sector. Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco, Vice President for Academic Affairs and UC Executive Officer, gave the participants an overview of the previous three editions of the international program. Dr. Parsons N. Hail, Director of the International Affairs Office, gave an overview of the program while Dr. Emil F. Ubaldo, Chief of the Mobility and Intercultural Exchange Unit, introduced the participating universities. Also present during the opening ceremony was Dr. Edgar A. Orden, the immediate past president of CLSU and current Vice President for Research and Extension. Dr. Orden, a leading scientist in goat research in the Philippines, will serve as the featured speaker in the track on Efficient and Sustainable Goat Production. Over the course of two weeks, the 18 participants from different Southeast Asian universities were enrolled in sustainable aquaculture, mushroom pharming, and goat farming tracks run by CLSU’s specialized R&D centers including the Freshwater Aquaculture Center, Center for Tropical Mushroom Research and Development Center, and the Small Ruminant Center. The International Affairs Office and the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs are the overall lead units of the University in this program.

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CBA Students Clinch 3rd Runner-up with Agri Advocacy Project in ASEAN Future Sustainable Leaders Competition 2025

Students from the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) clinched 3rd Runner-Up in the ASEAN Future Sustainable Leaders Competition (AFSLC) with their project “Pamanang Tumana: A Farmer’s Legacy.” The national-level contest, held on October 4, 2025, brought together accounting students from across the Philippines to present innovative, multidisciplinary solutions to challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Anchored on the theme “Empowering ASEAN Youth for Sustainable Development Goals,” the team’s video highlighted the growing disinterest of youth in agriculture — an issue that threatens the nation’s future food security. As a solution, they featured the CLSU’s Precision and Digital Agriculture Center (PreDiCt), aiming to shift young people’s preconceived negative views about farming through technology and innovation. Competing against 48 official entries and a total of 192 student participants, the team was composed of accounting students namely Joseph Scott I. Bundoc, Shaina Glyssa Castillo, Patrick Enoza, and Tristan Jay P. Nening, under the mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Winnie DC. Villanueva, Asst. Prof. Harold Vincent DJ. Vidaira, and Ms. Via Shane R. Santiago. In addition to securing a podium finish, the team also garnered two special awards that highlighted both their creativity and online presence: Best Video Entry, which recognized the quality and impact of their multimedia presentation, and 3rd Place in Facebook Engagement, awarded for their ability to effectively reach and engage a wide audience. Another team from CLSU also competed in the event with their video project titled “SINEKVAT,” which focused on preserving and sustaining the culture of the Bugkalot indigenous community in Nueva Vizcaya. Their work explored how modern technology can help revive and integrate traditional heritage into the present. This team successfully placed in the Top 18 of the competition. The AFSLC was organized by the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Committee on Faculty Development and Research, in partnership with KPMG Philippines and RG Manabat & Co., CPAs, to cultivate socially responsible and innovative young leaders in the accounting field across the ASEAN region.

Oct. 14, 2025

CLSU Stays on Track for THE World University Ranking

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) has once again been recognized with "Reporter status" in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings (WUR) 2026. This marks CLSU's third consecutive year of inclusion, demonstrating sustained progress. The university is strategically focused on moving beyond "Reporter status" to qualify for a full ranking. With the establishment of a new office dedicated to Scopus publication, the university aims to significantly increase its published research. This strategic move will amplify CLSU's scholarly impact and accelerate its path toward becoming a fully ranked global institution. #SievingForExcellence

Oct. 10, 2025

New FAI President Sworn in as Faculty Regent

Assoc. Prof. Joerge M. Dela Cruz, the newly elected President of the Faculty Association (FAI), officially took his oath of office as the new Faculty Regent of the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) Board of Regents (BOR) on October 9, 2025, during the regular BOR meeting at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Central Office, Quezon City. As Faculty Regent, Assoc. Prof. Dela Cruz will represent the Association and participate in BOR deliberations. He will also provide the board with firsthand insights into academic issues and faculty challenges. His appointment signifies his acceptance of these responsibilities, with a commitment to promoting faculty welfare supported by his officers and colleagues. Meanwhile, here is the full list of current members of the CLSU BOR: Chair – Hon. Desiderio R. Apag III – Commissioner, Commission on Higher Education Vice Chair – Hon. Evaristo A. Abella – CLSU President Members: Hon. Lorenzo Legarda – Chair, Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education Hon. Jude Acidre – Chair, House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Hon. Julius Caesar V. Sicat – Regional Director, Department of Science and Technology Hon. Eduardo L. Lapuz Jr. – OIC – Regional Director, Department of Agriculture Hon. Nerissa T. Esguerra – Regional Director, Economy, Planning, and Development Hon. Reiner B. Andres – Private Sector Representative Hon. Danilo S. Vargas – Alumni Representative Hon. Aljone V. Viterbo – Student Representative Hon. Jeorge M. Dela Cruz – Faculty Representative

Oct. 10, 2025

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