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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.

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CLSU Climbs to 118th in WURI 2025 Global Rankings

Central Luzon State University has achieved a remarkable feat in the latest World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2025, soaring 17 places to secure the 118th spot globally among 400 prestigious universities. This significant advancement from last year's 135th position underscores CLSU's unwavering commitment to pioneering impactful projects that directly contribute to national development. CLSU secured spots in three key categories, namely: Ranked 5th in the Funding for Sustainability Category with the project titled “FARM-ER POWER: Sowing Innovation, Harvesting Sustainability,” highlighting the university's innovative strategies to secure financial resources by diversifying funding streams and adopting new methods through its Business Affairs Program (UBAP). Ranked 5th in the Cost-Benefit Management Category titled “Rice Up: Growing Grains, Greater Gains,” a "seed-to-seed" and "seed-to-table" model project also implemented by UBAP. The project ensures the entire rice cycle, from planting to distribution, fostering economic and social benefits for CLSU through providing affordable rice to students, faculty, and the local community. Ranked 23rd in SDG-Based Responses to Global Challenges Category with the initiative titled “Goats for Global Goal: Small Ruminant Center Championing Sustainable Development,” a project led by the Small Ruminant Center which aims to enhance farmers' socio-economic status by improving small ruminant genetics, adopting sustainable feed and disease control practices, and promoting the development of superior goat and sheep products. It also provides farmers with practical training and access to new small ruminant technologies. Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, University President, expressed his deep appreciation for the ongoing commitment of faculty and staff. He highlighted their crucial role in spearheading projects that consistently advance the university's meaningful impact on the community. #SievingForExcellence

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Pres. Abella Leads Region 3 in 2025 PASUC Convention

As an active chair of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Region 3, University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella led the Region 3 delegation in the 2025 PASUC Midterm Convention and General Assembly today, July 9 at the SMX Convention Center Manila. The convention, anchored on the theme “Forging the Future: Empowering SUCs through Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence,” features lectures and discussions on SUC Governance, human capital development, sustainability, and global competitiveness, among other topics. President Abella emphasized the importance of attending such an event, as this opens the door for collaboration and ideas among SUC leaders, highlighting their shared commitment to elevating the standard of higher education in the Philippines. Joining him in the event were Ms. Jinky A. Parugrug, Director of Financial Management Services; Ms. Clarissa R. Valeriano, Chief of Budget Office; Mr. Ronnie Gutierrez, Chief of Procurement Office; and Mr. Ryan Esteban, Chief of Planning and Development Office. Prominent individuals attending the event were the Hon. Shirley C. Agrupis, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education, and the Hon. Amenah F. Pangandaman, Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management. #SievingForExcellence

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Sen. Kiko Pangilinan Headlines USSC Leadership Seminar, Inspires CLSU Students

Newly-elected Senator Francis “Kiko” N. Pangilinan headlined the leadership seminar titled "SEKDER: Steering Excellence through Knowledge, Development, and Empowered Rights," hosted by the University Supreme Student Council (USSC). The event aimed to inspire and equip student leaders was held today, July 9 at the CLSU Auditorium as part of the three-day SIKAD event. Dr. Ariel G. Mactal, Vice President for Administration, representing University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, kicked off the program with a powerful welcome message, urging students to embrace the challenge of leadership and deepen their purpose. “Today’s seminar is an opportunity to depend on your sense of purpose, not just as students but as leaders of action in your communities. As you sharpen your knowledge, explore your rights, and embrace your calling to lead, remember that leadership is not about position; it is about responsibility. Leadership is not about titles, it is about courage to serve, heart to listen, and will to act, especially when it is not easy. And it starts right here, right now,” Dr. Mactal expressed. The event highlight was the message delivered by Senator Pangilinan, who addressed the challenges facing the Philippine agriculture sector. He also expressed his hope that the students, as the younger generation, would be instrumental in bringing about positive change in the country, particularly within agriculture, stating, “Kabataan, kayo ang mitsa ng pagbabago.” The seminar also featured insights from notable young leaders, including Mr. Junior M. Pacol, a faculty member from the Department of Filipino, College of Arts and Social Sciences. Drawing from his own experiences as a student leader, Mr. Pacol prompted attendees to consider giving back through serving their community and finding their passion. Furthermore, also served as a guest speaker was Ms. Kim Modelo, Vice President for the National Union of Students of the Philippines, who shared about student power and youth activism. The event also included a prerecorded video message from Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino, who delivered an encouraging message to the CLSU students. #SievingForExcellence

Jul. 09, 2025

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