Central Luzon State University graduate is Topnotcher of the 2023 Agriculturist Licensure Examination

University

In a remarkable feat, Ronn Adam V. Pontoy emerged as the topnotcher in the recent Agriculturist Licensure Examination with a rating of 88.0% administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) leading the 148 passers from Central Luzon State University (CLSU). The board exam was conducted from November 20, 21 &22 in various testing centers in the Philippines. CLSU got an overall passing rate of 69.16% with first time takers garnering a passing rate of 75.14%, both ratings are above the national passing rate of 34.18%. Pontoy's achievement adds another feather to the institution's cap as CLSU is known producing outstanding professionals, especially in the field of agriculture. Mr. Pontoy's achievement is being hailed not just as an individual success story but also as an inspiration for aspiring agriculturists across the country. In an interview with Pontoy shortly after receiving the news, he said that his main strategy in the preparation was to simply keep reading every day but emphasized that he did not forget to make time for rest and leisure to have a balanced outlook. Additionally, his dedication and academic prowess were further honed through his participation in the CLSU’s review program led by the College of Agriculture. This intensive program according to him played a crucial role in his preparation for the challenging licensure exam. Above all, meditating on his life verse, which was Proverbs 3:1-2 - “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity” also gave him guidance in acing the board and helped him stay calm during the exams. His success reflects not only his individual brilliance but also the high standards of education and training provided by the university. The Agriculturists Licensure Examination is known for its rigor, testing candidates on a comprehensive range of topics related to agriculture and its various branches of Crop Science, Soil Science, Animal Science, Crop Protection, Agricultural Economics and Marketing, and Agricultural Extension and Communication. Hailing from the town of Rosales, Pangasinan, Pontoy graduated with a degree in BS Agriculture, Major in Crop Science (Agronomy) as cum laude of the class of 2023. The CLSU community congratulates him and his family for his dedication, hard work, and achievements which are indeed commendable. His success is a source of pride for both Central Luzon State University and the broader academic community.

Other Stories

CLSU Delegation Attends PAPSAS III Convention, Student Leaders’ Summit

To strengthen leadership skills in an evolving digital landscape, a delegation from Central Luzon State University (CLSU), composed of fourteen student leaders, four Student Affairs Practitioners, and three faculty members, attended the 20th Convention and Student Leaders’ Summit at Raven Resort and Log Cabin in Bataan last March 12–13, 2026. Centered on the theme "Future-Ready Community: Transforming SAS Practices for a Responsible and Productive Digital Community," the summit focused on modernizing student leadership and services. Key highlights of the summit included a keynote seminar by Mr. Ralp Jacinto A. Quiblat titled "Click, Connect, Care," which encouraged participants to use technology as a bridge for community building rather than a barrier. Additionally, participants engaged in a workshop titled "Digital Connection Challenge," where they were tasked with designing student engagement campaigns using the C.O.N.N.E.C.T+ framework, which emphasizes message clarity, multiple communication platforms, addressing student needs, storytelling, empathy, credibility, and timeliness in delivering information. The two-day summit concluded with social and team-building activities that offered a lively space for participants to build lasting friendships and professional networks across the region. Through these efforts, CLSU reaffirms its commitment to fostering a future-ready environment and maintaining excellence in providing responsible student services.

Mar. 17, 2026

CLSU, PEJ ink Partnership to Strengthen University Research Publication Visibility

Central Luzon State University (CLSU), through the Scholarly Impact and Publication Oversight Division (ScIPOD) under the Office of the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension (OVPRIE), formally signed a Distribution and License Agreement with Philippine E-Journals (PEJ), hosted by C&E Publishing, Inc., on March 13, 2026 at the New Administration Conference Room. The partnership aims to expand the reach of the university’s in-house journals, namely the CLSU International Journal of Science and Technology (CLSU IJST) and the CLSU International Journal of Education and Development Studies (CLSU IJEDS). Through the agreement, CLSU seeks to widen access to its scholarly publications while fostering research collaboration and promoting innovation. Signing the agreement were Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, University President, and Dr. Ronan G. Zagado, Chief of ScIPOD. Representing C&E Publishing, Inc. were Mr. Aquiles Sansing, Acquisition Manager, Dr. Aurora Zuñiga, Acquisition Consultant, and Ms. Annielyn Hernando, Project Officer of PEJ. The agreement enables the inclusion of CLSU’s scholarly journals in the Philippine E-Journals database. This digital platform provides online access to peer-reviewed academic publications from higher education institutions across the country. Dr. Abella highlighted that the partnership reflects CLSU’s continued efforts to strengthen the visibility, accessibility, and impact of its research outputs in the national academic community. "With this collaboration, we reaffirm our responsibility to ensure that our research continues to make a meaningful impact both locally and globally," he added. This initiative is expected to enhance the accessibility of CLSU’s publications and support the wider dissemination of research authored by the university's faculty members and researchers.

Mar. 16, 2026

CLSU Stages "Cacao TALKS 2026" to Bolster Value Chain

To showcase the latest findings and technologies in Cacao, the Central Luzon State University held the Cacao TALKS (Transforming Agriculture through Livelihoods, Knowledge and Sustainability) 2026: A Cacao Value Chain Conference on March 11, 2026, at the RIE Amphitheater. The conference convened over 120 cacao farmers, researchers, and entrepreneurs, with more than 1,000 views on Facebook Live, synchronizing efforts to elevate the Philippine cacao value chain. The event was made possible under the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) funded project titled “Productivity, Technical Efficiency, and Competitiveness of the Cacao Value Chain in the Philippines” led by Dr. Edilyn V. Lansangan, which aimed to transition the industry from traditional farming to a technology-driven, market-competitive sector. During the opening program, University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, represented by Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz, emphasized the importance of the gathering, noting that the presence of stakeholders reflects a collective drive to position cacao as one of the primary engines for rural development. “Today's conference brings together a diverse and dynamic community of stakeholders, from farmers and researchers to entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners. Your presence reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the Cacao Value Chain and unlocking the vast potential of Cacao as a driver of sustainable agriculture, livelihood generation, and rural development.” A high-level technical session featured industry leaders and researchers who addressed the multifaceted challenges of the sector. Philippine Cacao Industry Council (PCIC) President Consul Armi Lopez-Garcia and Dr. Divina M. Amalin of De La Salle University headlined a panel that covered national industry status, and the potential of cacao in the market. In addition, experts from CLSU, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), University of the Philippines Mindanao, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), and Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) discussed advanced pest management and the integration of modern agricultural techniques. Beyond production, the conference bridged the gap between the laboratory and the marketplace. Ms. Eva Ritchelle D. Padua, owner of The Dulce Chocolate House, provided an entrepreneurial perspective through presenting a developed product from cacao. The event also featured a technology demonstration held at PHilMech. The event is spearheaded by CLSU together with PCIC/Philippine Cacao Industry Association, Inc. (PCIA), PhilMech, UPLB, DOST-PCAARRD, and Central Luzon Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research and Development Consortium (CLAARRDEC). #SievingForExcellence

Mar. 12, 2026