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

Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

University

CLSU 'BAYANIHAN' SPIRIT SHINES THROUGH AMIDST COVID-19 CRISIS: THE UNIVERSITY GAD PROGRAM GRANTS PHP 1.5 M PROJECT FUNDS

Dec. 10, 2021

Maria Adrielle S. Estigoy | PMO

In the midst of uncertainties and fear during an ongoing coronavirus pandemic, CLSU faculty and staff have taken it upon themselves to help those in need, the frontliners and the stranded students. The University, through the nanotechnology research team, initiated the production of nano-structured alcohol, nano-enhanced hand sanitizer, and washable face masks with nanofiber filter as a response to the dwindling source in the market due to panic buying. Immediately, these products were distributed to Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center, San Jose General Hospital, Talavera General Hospital, Philippine National Police - Munoz, Bureau of Fire Protection - Munoz, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, University Infirmary, and the Office of Student Affairs (OSA). However, with the present situation where COVID-19 cases are rising by day, the produced products are limited, and that, there is a need to sustain the production of bioethanol so that the University can still proceed in producing more nano-structured and-enhanced products. So, to continue and sustain this activity, the University through the Gender and Development (GAD) Office allotted funds amounting to Php 1,523,750.00. “Supporting the production of these products is an opportunity for the University to really help the communities in difficult times like this, as we are one with the government and the people in working together to heal as one nation, ” said Dr. Edgar Orden, CLSU President. The funded project dubbed as ‘CLSU COVID-19 RESPONSE: Engaging Men and Women Researchers of CLSU in the Production of Nano-Enhanced Products’ was proposed by Dr. Fe Porciuncula, Vice President for Research, Extension and Training together with Dr. Juvy Monserate, Nanotechnology R&D Facility Head, Dr. Marvin Cinense, Affiliated Renewable Energy Center (AREC) Director, and Dr. Victorino Taylan, College of Engineering (CEn) Dean. Cooperating units in this project include the Biotech Analytical Laboratory, Ramon Magsaysay-Center for Agricultural Resources and Environment Studies, Research Office, University Business Affair Program (UBAP), and College of Home Science and Industry (CHSI). According to Dr. Porciuncula, this is a quick response of CLSU to the pressing situation brought about by COVID-19 with an aim to: enhance/increase the production on nano products in an effort to respond to the situation; mobilize the men and women researchers of the University in the production of nano products; and sustain its production for distribution to frontliners with service orientation, and eventual intention of commercialization. To be able to produce the ethanol needed for the production of nano-structured alcohol and nano-enhanced hand sanitizer, Dr. Cinense explained that the production of bioethanol which is 85 to 90 percent alcohol requires fermentation and distillation process diluted with distilled water to obtain the 70% ethyl alcohol. This then is being infused with nanoparticles and turmeric extract to create the nano products. The GAD funded project hopes to produce 10,800 liters of nano-structured alcohol, 1,200 liters of nano-enhanced sanitizer and 5,000 pieces of antiviral face masks. This will be made possible thru the bayanihan spirit of the different units of the University wherein the men and women researchers from the different units shall be mobilized to produce the nano products despite the enhanced community quarantine being implemented. Apart from the 90-95% ethanol to be procured, the AREC and CEn, will produce bioethanol from molasses fermentation and distillation using their fabricated distilling apparatus. The Biotech Analytical Laboratory, Research Office and the RM-CARES will simultaneously mobilize the dilution process. The Nanotech team will then be responsible in the final production of the three nano products. The UBAP and or the CHSI shall be responsible in the production of the antiviral face masks. “These efforts will form part in the provision of supplies to the extent possible - to the scarce sources of alcohol, sanitizers and face masks in the market, keep safe the frontliners/other users in an effort to arrest the deleterious effect of COVID-19, and combat and or inhibit the spread of COVID-19 to the extent possible, ” Dr. Porciuncula exclaimed. On the other hand, the OSA together with other CLSU volunteers such as the University Student Supreme Council (thru the Student Development Fund), faculty and staff, campus-based student organizations - Alpha Sigma Fraternity, Beta Sigma Fraternity, JPIA-CLSU, and College of Engineering Student Council, spearheaded the continuous production of customized face masks, repacking of relief goods and personal hygiene kit, and distribution to stranded students staying in the bounds of the University and nearby apartments and boarding houses. Aside from this, the University continuously offers affordable and fresh vegetables and eggs as well as broiler and cull chicken available to faculty and staff members. These are produced by the College of Agriculture and the University Business Affairs Program, respectively. Rice distribution to CLSU frontliners and stranded students was also done as part of the University’s corporate social responsibility.

Other Stories

NAP, CLSU Hold Seminar Workshop on Basic Records and Archive Mgmt

The National Archives of the Philippines (NAP), in partnership with Central Luzon State University (CLSU), initiated a two-day seminar workshop on the importance of Basic Records and Archive Management (BARM) in government offices across the province. It was held on April 23-24, 2025 at the OVPAA Amphitheater in CLSU. The seminar on BARM informed the different agencies' record keepers on the overview of the Records and Archives Management Program (RAMP), including records maintenance, security, and preservation of records, among others. Senior Records Management Analyst, Ms. Ehxia R. Dondonilla, Senior Archivist, Ms. Cheryl B. Alvares, Training Specialist, Mr. Gerald F. Requesto, and Chief, Training and Information Division, Ms. Gina M. Papa from NAP served as the resource persons who shared their knowledge and experiences, as well as the techniques in Basic Records and Archive Management. Vice President for Administration Dr. Ariel G. Mactal conveyed his sincere appreciation to the NAP for their presence and unwavering dedication to enhancing records management across all government agencies within our province. He emphasized that the seminar workshop transcends more than the technical skills and management systems as it concerns the preservation of collective history. “Each document must be safeguarded, every record properly filed, and each archive preserved contributes to the broader narrative of our province, our institution, and our nation. These are not merely papers; they embody the story of our identity,” said Dr. Mactal. The event was attended by representatives from state universities and colleges (SUCs), including CLSU and NEUST; attached agencies from the Department of Agriculture such as the Philippine Rice Research Institute, Philippine Carabao Center, and Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization; Local government units (LGUs) from Talavera, General Natividad, Bongabon, Carranglan, Aliaga, Cuyapo, Science City of Muñoz, General Tinio, Palayan; other institutions such as Civil Service Commission Field Office in Nueva Ecija, Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center in Cabanatuan, Talavera General Hospital, and Palayan City Hospital.

Apr. 29, 2025

CLSU, TAO Foods Company Sign Agreement to Commercialize PhilSCAT-bred Rice Varieties

University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, together with Mr. Julio D. Sy, Jr., Owner of the TAO Foods Company Inc. (TFCI), signed a new licensing agreement to commercialize four new hybrid rice varieties bred by experts from the Philippine-Sino Center for Agricultural Technology (PhilSCAT). The ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) took place during the North Luzon Innovation and Technology Transfer Summit 2025, held on April 23-24 in Baguio City. This event, hosted by the Department of Science and Technology-Cordillera Autonomous Region, attracted innovators, technology adopters, and higher education institutions from the region, as well as from Regions 1, 2, and 3. The agreement provided the TFCI the right to commercialize the Hybrid Rice Mestizo 125, 126, 127, and 128 for a period of 6 years. In return, CLSU as the owner of these varieties, will receive royalty fees from this agreement that will later on benefit the ongoing and future research activities of the university. Director Dr. Julius Cesar Sicat from DOST R3 expressed his support to this initiative by gracing the event, along with CLSU faculty member Dr. Jerwin Undan, who served as a witness during the MOA signing.

Apr. 23, 2025

CLSU Climbs to 16th Spot Nationally in AD Scientific Index 2025; Highlights Strong Researcher Presence

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) is making significant strides towards its goal of being recognized as a world-class National Research University. According to the latest Alper-Doger Scientific Index (AD Index), CLSU has risen to 16th place among 388 institutions in the Philippines, up from its previous position of 19th. This ranking assessed the scientific performance and productivity of universities and R&D institutions as well as its researchers, and it includes a notable representation of 221 CLSU scholars. Dr. Elmar M. Villota leads the group with the highest H-index, followed by Dr. Hazel Monica M. Peralta, Dr. Wendy C. Mateo, Dr. Rich Milton R. Dulay, and Dr. Sofronio P. Kalaw. With its dedication to research excellence, CLSU maintains its strong standing among public universities in the Philippines, ranking 7th in H-index value and 10th in citation count.

Apr. 16, 2025

View More