op@clsu.edu.ph (044) 940 8785
CLSU Logo

Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

University

CLSU BaCaDM Project Envoy Attends Coordination Meeting in Japan

Nov. 16, 2022

Stratcom | SCO

After a year of implementation, the Joint Coordination Committee of the Banana and Cacao Disease Management (BaCaDM) Project implemented under the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) initiatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), held its first in-person meeting on November 15, 2022, at the Tamagawa University (TU), Machida, Tokyo, Japan.   University President Edgar A. Orden led the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) team, together with Dr. Renato G. Reyes, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Principal Investigator, Dr. Jerwin Undan, Dr. Rich Milton Dulay, Dr. Garry Benico, Dr. Parsons Hail, project leaders, and Dr. Dionisio Alvindia, OIC Executive Director of the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization.   In his speech, President Orden expressed his gratitude to TU and JICA for the collaborative project and trust in CLSU.  “I am very happy to see that we are physically here (in Japan) to assess what we have accomplished,” President Orden said.   He also commended the CLSU team for the results of their research presented which transpired after a year of project implementation.   During the meeting, Dr. Reyes also presented the activities that took place which include virtual workshops and field collections, and the challenges they encountered and solutions made. While, Dr. Kyoko Watanabe, Principal Investigator of Japan Team discussed the ongoing accomplishments and directions of the project.   Project leaders presented their progress report which consisted of the banana and cacao cultivation practices, collection status, isolation, identification of fungi, and installation of artificial intelligence sensors in Mindanao and CLSU.   Moreover, Professor Dr. Kyoko Watanabe and Professor Dr. Koji Ishikawa will lead the two-week academic activity of faculty researchers at TU and JICA Office.   The coordination meeting was also attended by JICA Representative and SATREPS Research Supervisor.   The BaCaDM is a five-year collaborative research project between CLSU and TU that aims to develop and promote a technology system that will help farmers address major diseases in bananas and cacao.    

Other Stories

CHED Region III Brings Scholarship Caravan to CLSU

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office III successfully conducted its Information Caravan at Central Luzon State University (CLSU) on July 28, delivering crucial, targeted updates on government-funded academic opportunities designed for both undergraduate students and university employees. The event was organized as an immediate response to a request from the university to bring crucial details regarding government-funded educational opportunities directly to the campus community. During the opening remarks, Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco, Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized that education serves as a powerful tool for transforming lives and building a better future. She noted that while financial hurdles often complicate the pursuit of higher degrees, scholarships reward students who possess merit, potential, and a willingness to work hard. CHED Regional Director Dr. Maura Consolacion D. Cristobal explained that the caravan aims to deliver "pag-asa" (hope) to students facing financial deficits, particularly those managing high living and commuting expenses despite the availability of free tuition. The caravan highlighted several undergraduate and institutional grants under CHED's "ACHIEVE" national agenda, focusing primarily on advanced, accessible lifelong learning and efficient public service. For more details, visit the CHED Region 3 page at https://www.facebook.com/CHEDRegionalOffice3.

Jul. 29, 2026

CLSU, NAPC, UMANE Hold Symposium and Policy Forum on Food Security

The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) and the Utak Magsasaka Novo Ecijano (UMANE), in collaboration with Central Luzon State University (CLSU), convened a Symposium and Policy Forum on the Right to Adequate Food: Policy, Practice, and Human Dignity today, July 28, at the University Auditorium. The event gathered over 350 farmers, agricultural representatives, students, partner organizations, and guests who were eager to explore updated agricultural policies, legislation, best practices, and support programs of the government for Filipino farmers. Specifically, the event analyzed the policy framework and provided a direct platform for smallholder farmers and basic sectors to articulate structural challenges regarding market access, fair pricing, and production inputs; leveraged CLSU’s research in climate-resilient agriculture, biotechnology, and sustainable farming systems to offer scalable solutions; and to formulate a multi-sectoral "Nueva Ecija Declaration on the Right to Adequate Food" to serve as a policy brief for local and national lawmakers. During the opening program, CLSU President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella reaffirmed the university’s dedication to farmers as primary stakeholders. "This symposium is both timely and significant because it provides a venue where policymakers, researchers, agricultural experts, community leaders, and farmers can engage in meaningful dialogue. More importantly, it creates an opportunity to share ideas and recommendations that truly address the needs of our community. As a premier agricultural university, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing research, innovation, and extension programs that contribute directly to sustainable agricultural and rural development." Representing Nueva Ecija Governor Hon. Aurelio M. Umali as a keynote speaker, Atty. Jose Maria Caesar C. San Pedro highlighted key provincial initiatives, including the P20-per-kilo rice program, the promotion of biochar technology, and direct rice purchasing from local farmers. He emphasized that these programs aim to put people at the center of agricultural growth: "Ang tunay na sukatan ng ating tagumpay ay hindi lamang kung gaano karaming palay, sibuyas, o gulay ang ating naaani. Ang sukatan ay kung ang mga magsasaka ay may disenteng kita, kung ang bawat pamilya ay may sapat at masustansyang pagkain, at kung ang ating agricultural abundance ay nagiging oportunidad, seguridad, at dignidad para sa ating mga mamamayan,” he added. Distinguished guests and dignitaries in attendance included NAPC Lead Convenor Sec. Lope B. Santos III; Science City of Muñoz Mayor Hon. Baby Armi L. Alvarez, represented by OIC Municipal Agriculturist Mr. Leonel P. Parugrug; Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 3 Regional Technical Director for Operations Dr. Arthur D. Dayrit; former CLSU President and current Umane, Inc. President Dr. Rodolfo C. Undan; and Philippine Carabao Center Executive Director III Dr. Liza G. Battad.

Jul. 28, 2026

CLSU Signs MOA with 7 Partners to Advance Food Processing and Livelihood Development

Central Luzon State University (CLSU), through the extension efforts of the College of Home Science and Industry (CHSI), signed a Memorandum of Agreement with seven partner institutions and community enterprises under the UNLAD PAMILYA Program, which aims to strengthen community livelihoods through food processing and value addition on July 21, 2026. Under the agreement, CLSU will provide professional and technical assistance on food processing, culinary arts, handicraft production, entrepreneurship, marketing, and business planning. The University will also designate faculty experts, provide training facilities and necessary logistical support, and regularly monitor and evaluate the progress and outcomes of the livelihood initiatives. For an academic institution, the partnership will cover capability building in academic and research areas for its students and faculty. The partner-beneficiaries are Divina Pastora College (Gapan City), Community Visions and Initiatives of Nueva Ecija Guimba, Nueva Ecija), Carranglan Multi-purpose Producers Cooperative, Hacienda T&C Food Processing (San Antonio, Nueva Ecija), K-D Nature Farm (Rizal, Nueva Ecija), Greenfields Christian Farmer Agriculture Cooperative (Munoz), and Department of Agriculture - Philippine Rice Research Institute through its partner Pinagbuklod na Adhikain Multi-purpose Cooperative. The initiative demonstrated CLSU’s mission to connect academic expertise with community stakeholders, driving sustainable livelihoods through value-added agricultural products and supporting the university's goal toward becoming an Education Economic Zone.

Jul. 23, 2026

View More