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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

CLSU Hosts 8 International Students for Filipino Language and Cultural Immersion

Jun. 25, 2026

StratCom | SCO

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) has opened its doors to eight international students from prestigious universities in the United States for a firsthand, immersive experience of the Filipino language, culture, and community traditions. The foreign delegates, who comprise four students from Harvard University, three from Northern Illinois University, and one from the University of California, Berkeley, are participating in two specialized tracks: the International Filipino Language and Culture Program and the Green and Global Philippines: Language, Culture, and Sustainability program. Led by the International Affairs Office (IAO), this short-term immersion is a collaborative effort with the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), specifically through the Department of Filipino and the Department of Global Studies. The initiative aims to foster deep cross-cultural understanding while offering the delegates an authentic taste of Filipino academic and community life. Upon their arrival, the international students immediately engaged with local customs. One of their first cultural activities was a trip to the local market for a traditional “pamamalengke.” The students received a quick lesson in haggling and successfully navigated the “tawad” culture while interacting with local vendors. Furthermore, the students traveled to nearby communities to learn the intricate art of community-based Sabutan Weaving, practicing the traditional craft alongside local artisans. They also immersed themselves in local spiritual traditions by participating in the unique Taong Putik Festival. In the coming weeks, the international students will participate in various cultural and agricultural activities, including rice planting, goat and carabao milking, and exploring heritage and historic sites across Luzon. The Green and Global Philippines: Language, Culture, and Sustainability program will run until July 3, 2026, while the International Filipino Language and Culture Program will continue until July 25, 2026. Through this collaborative effort, CLSU continues to strengthen its internationalization milestones and solidify its reputation as a leading hub for global academic exchange. By attracting top scholars from world-renowned institutions, the university demonstrates its capacity to bridge local heritage with impactful global education.

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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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