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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines 3120

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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CLSU Joins Uhay Festival Grand Parade and Float Competition

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) proudly joined the 12th Uhay Festival Grand Parade and Float Competition today, January 20, showcasing the city’s agricultural and scientific advancements through a vibrant and meticulously crafted float. Titled “Layag,” the CLSU float symbolized the university’s significant contributions to the agri-fishery sector. It featured artistic elements that celebrated the strong bond between CLSU and the Science City of Muñoz community. A striking figure of a fisherman stood prominently on the float, representing CLSU’s pioneering role in innovation and discovery, both in the Philippines and beyond. University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella led the CLSU parade, accompanied by the Administrative Council, faculty, and staff, proudly marching together to celebrate the university’s legacy and partnership with the community.

Jan. 20, 2025

Korean University to Establish Sejong Institute at CLSU

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) continues to strengthen its internationalization efforts with a landmark visit by officials from Sunchon National University (SCNU), Korea, from January 12 to 14, 2025. This visit marks a pivotal milestone in the partnership between CLSU and SCNU, solidified through a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). A key initiative of this collaboration is the potential establishment of the Sejong Institute at CLSU, envisioned as a hub for Korean language education for students and employees. Once realized, this initiative will position CLSU among the select institutions in the Philippines hosting Sejong Institutes, joining the ranks of those in Iloilo, Cebu, and Balanga City. The SCNU delegation, headed by Prof. Ki Chang Nam, Vice President for Academic Affairs, visited CLSU to explore its facilities, assess potential sites for the Sejong Institute, and engage in discussions to further solidify plans for the collaboration. Accompanying him were Prof. Kang Seok Seo from the Department of Animal Resources Science, Prof. Ji-Hyun Kim from the Department of International Korean Language Education, and Dr. Lovelia Mamuad, an alumnus of CLSU who is now based in Korea. This initiative underscores CLSU’s commitment to fostering international academic partnerships and promoting cultural exchange through innovative language education programs.

Jan. 15, 2025

CLSU Equips OFW families in Nueva Ecija with Skills on Organic Farming

Families of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Nueva Ecija took a meaningful step toward sustainable living and entrepreneurial growth by participating in a two-day training on organic farming, hosted by Central Luzon State University (CLSU) on December 6-7, 2024. The event, titled “Embracing the OFW Entrepreneurial Spirit,” equipped participants with practical knowledge in organic agriculture while nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset. A joint effort of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Region 3 and CLSU’s Holistic OFW Program for Empowerment (HOPE), the training opened with an inspiring call to action from Prof. Janet O. Saturno, HOPE Project Leader, encouraging attendees to actively immerse themselves in the learning sessions. Day one featured expert-led lectures designed to build foundational skills: Dr. Carolyn P. Gonzales-Marzan shared financial planning strategies tailored to entrepreneurial ventures; Dr. Irene G. Bustos focused on fostering a positive entrepreneurial mindset; Mr. Sherwin B. Celestino motivated participants to adopt a business-oriented perspective; Mr. Ronn Adam V. Pontoy and Ms. Ellen S. Romero introduced the essentials of organic farming, emphasizing sustainable vegetable production and composting techniques. On the second day, participants engaged in hands-on activities, transitioning theory into practice. Guided demonstrations provided them with real-world experience in organic farming processes, ensuring a deeper understanding of the methods taught. Simultaneously, the Center for Tropical Mushroom Research and Development hosted the second batch of its Intensive Training on Mushroom and Spawn Production (Mushroom Pharming). This parallel initiative further enhanced the livelihood options available to OFW families. This collaborative effort reflects the shared vision of OWWA Region 3 and CLSU to empower OFW families through sustainable and entrepreneurial opportunities. By building economic resilience and promoting sustainable agriculture, the partnership continues to strengthen the capacities of OFW communities to thrive.

Dec. 23, 2024

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