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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Agriculture Secretary Leads Launch of Animal Vaccine Dev’t Program at CenTrAD

Apr. 09, 2025

StratCom | SCO

Department of Agriculture - Philippines (DA) Secretary Hon. Francisco Tiu Laurel led the inauguration of the Animal Vaccine Development Program on April 8, 2025, at the Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases (CenTrAD) located at Central Luzon State University (CLSU). The inauguration formed part of the University’s 118th Founding Anniversary celebration, which commenced with a ribbon cutting and was followed by a facility tour led by CenTrAD Director Dr. Virginia M. Venturina to showcase the facility and the laboratories dedicated to vaccine development. During the program proper, University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella reaffirmed CLSU’s strong commitment to advancing agriculture and animal health, emphasizing its unwavering support and shared dedication to serving its stakeholders. “In response to these pressing needs, we at CLSU, in partnership with our key stakeholders, affirm our commitment to advancing research and innovation in Veterinary Science through the establishment of a Vaccine Development Facility,” President Abella expressed. Meanwhile, in his keynote address, Secretary Laurel emphasized the importance of the National Animal Vaccination Program and its unwavering commitment to progress, resilience, and hope that protect the livestock and poultry, especially the people. He further advocated for honoring the strength of farmers by providing them with protection against economic challenges and disease outbreaks. Dr. Constante J. Palabrica, Undersecretary of DA Livestock, on the other hand, shared how he came to the idea of putting up an Animal Vaccine Development Program as it sparked when he first came to CenTrAD. His observations of vaccine production in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand fueled his belief in the capability of Filipino Scientists to produce vaccines, reducing reliance on imports. As such, the said program intends to enhance disease prevention strategies and promote sustainable livestock production through innovative research and development. CLSU, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and its attached agencies, particularly the DA-Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI), DA-Livestock Biotechnology Center, and DA-Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), played a key role in bringing the program to fruition. Other key people who graced the event were Dr. Claro N. Mingala, Director of DA National Livestock Program, Dr. Liza G. Battad, DA-PCC Executive Director, Mr. Joseph Rudolph Lo, President of Food Terminal Inc., Dr. Eduardo L. Lapuz, Jr., DA Region III Director and faculty and staff from the College of Veterinary Science and Medicine.

Other Stories

DBM Conducts Validation of CLSU Infrastructure and Financial Performance

Officials from the Department of Budget and Management Region III (DBM) visited Central Luzon State University to conduct a Full-Time Delivery Unit (FDU) Validation and site inspection on August 26, 2026. The visit aimed to evaluate and monitor the university's financial and physical performance, address administrative bottlenecks, and inspect ongoing projects around the campus. Led by Chief Budget and Management Specialist II, Ms. Adoracion Q. Mangalino, the DBM delegates inspected key project sites, including the new dormitories built on the former old market, the newly renovated university library, and various completed infrastructure projects around the university. After the inspection, the group convened for the University President's report, which highlighted achievements in academic standing, global rankings, research, and extension, followed by the FDU assessment proper. Key officials present in the meeting were Vice President for Administration, Dr. Ariel G. Mactal, Vice President for Research and Extension, Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz, Vice President for Business Affairs, Dr. Karenina B. Romualdo, Director of Financial Management Services Office, Ms. Jinky Parugrug, Director of Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Management Office, Mr. Ryan Esteban to provide insight into their respective areas. The joint visit concluded with a strong reaffirmation of the university's commitment to delivering high-impact projects that meet DBM standards.

Aug. 27, 2026

CLSU Launches ‘Sidlan’ Community Pantry to Support Students

Embodying the Filipino spirit of bayanihan, the Laban sa Ipinagbabawal na Gamot, Tulay na Agapay sa Sielesyuans at Sambayanan (LIGTAS-CLSU), a non-college-based student organization, in partnership with the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) headed by Dean Irene Bustos, officially launched its community pantry today, August 26 at the OSA tambayan. Dubbed “Sidlan: Ang Pantry ng Sielesyuans,” the event was first conceptualized two years ago through the collective contributions and support of the university community. Guided by the principle “Kumuha ayon sa pangangailangan, magbigay ayon sa kakayahan,” the pantry will operate daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM for all CLSU students. During the opening ceremony, LIGTAS-CLSU President Jovan Clay Evangelista emphasized the project's community-driven mission. "Ito ang Sidlan, ang pantry ng Sielesyuan, isang proyekto mula sa komunidad, para sa komunidad,” Mr. Evangelista said. University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella commended the organizers for initiating a program aimed at directly assisting fellow students. "Alam naman natin na hindi pantay-pantay ang kakayahan ng bawat estudyante dito sa ating campus, kaya from time to time ay maglalagay din tayo dito upang matulungan ang ibang estudyante,” Pres. Abella stated, assuring continued institutional and personal support for the project. To embody the spirit of the community pantry, Dr. Abella brought with him essential groceries and sacks of rice to share with the community. The organization continues to welcome donations of food and essential goods from the CLSU Community and the public, while encouraging all Sielesyuans, especially those facing financial hardship, to take what they need from the pantry. #SievingForExcellence

Aug. 26, 2026

Former Student Regent Viterbo is Among the Region’s Top Outstanding Students, Completes DAP’s BAGANI Program

Ms. Aljone V. Viterbo, former Student Regent of Central Luzon State University (CLSU), has been recognized as a top finalist in the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) program for Central Luzon, affirming her commitment to academic excellence and passion for public service. Prior to this, she also completed the pioneering program of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) for the youth dubbed as BAGANI: Rising Leaders Development Program. Ms. Viterbo, who graduated magna cum laude, served as the Chairperson of the University Supreme Student Council (USSC) and as Student Regent for academic year 2025-2026. Her TOSP selection reflects both her academic performance and her eight-year record of sustained involvement in community outreach and volunteer initiatives. “Hindi ko po ito itinuturing na aking tagumpay lamang. Tulad ng lagi kong sinasabi, hindi ko magagawa ang lahat ng ito kung hindi dahil sa mga taong aking pinaglilingkuran at nakasama sa paglilingkod, pag-aaral, at pagkatuto,” Ms. Viterbo shared. Highlighting her deep commitment to public service and community development, she shared, “Ang lahat ng ito ay upang patuloy akong makapagbigay ng serbisyo para sa ikabubuti ng ating komunidad.” The regional selection process was organized by the TOSP Region 3 Alumni Community of Heroes (TOSP-R3ACH). The program provides a platform for student leaders across the region to strengthen leadership capabilities, reinforce core values, and advance social development initiatives. Meanwhile, before receiving the TOSP accolade, Ms. Viterbo completed the BAGANI Program of the DAP, which aims to equip emerging leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to develop and implement sustainable community-based initiatives. Held from June 13 to July 11, 2026, the program selected only 56 fellows from more than 2,000 applicants nationwide, making Ms. Viterbo one of the distinguished BAGANI fellows who successfully underwent the highly competitive selection process. After completing the BAGANI Program, Ms. Viterbo shared a profound realization about the value of public service, saying, “Serving the people is a privilege. The Philippines and the Filipino people are worth fighting for. Kahit magulo at basag ang bansa natin ngayon, may pag-asa pa rin, at puwede iyong magsimula sa atin.” With this, the University extends its congratulations to Ms. Viterbo on this achievement and her continued success. May your efforts continue to inspire the student body and future leaders of our country.

Aug. 25, 2026

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