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

Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

CLSU, OWWA Empower OFWs through Mushroom Pharming Training under the HOPE Project

Nov. 26, 2024

Laurence Lingat | OSA

Aiming to equip Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families with valuable skills for livelihood ventures, Central Luzon State University (CLSU) conducted an Intensive Training on Mushroom and Spawn Production (Mushroom Pharming) on November 13-14, 2024. The training marked Phase I (Batch I) of the Holistic OFW Program towards Empowerment (HOPE) Project, funded by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Region III. This initiative directly benefited members of the OFW Family Circle Federation of Nueva Ecija, equipping them with valuable skills and opportunities for livelihood development. The HOPE Project, launched as an outcome of the CLSU OFW Conference 2024, aims to support OFWs in transitioning to sustainable livelihoods through comprehensive capability-building initiatives. These include mushroom pharming, organic agriculture, personal finance management, and entrepreneurship. The training introduced the fundamentals of mushroom and spawn production, offering hands-on learning and technical guidance to prepare them for income-generating opportunities. With practical skills and entrepreneurial insights, participants were poised to make meaningful contributions to their communities while navigating life beyond overseas employment. The HOPE Project highlights the shared commitment of CLSU and OWWA to delivering impactful programs that empower OFWs to achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency. Phases I (Batch 2) and II are scheduled for December 5-7, offering additional sessions designed to enhance participants’ knowledge and skills further. The CLSU team, led by Prof. Janet O. Saturno and project leader Dr. Jayson L. Marzan, along with project staff members Dr. Elizabeth Bajit, Dr. Irene G. Bustos, Dr. Carolyn P. Gonzales-Marzan, Mr. Sherwin Celestino, Mr. Ryan De Quina, and Mr. Laurence Lingat, aimed to address the unique challenges faced by OFWs during reintegration. Their efforts focused on fostering resilience and adaptability, equipping participants with the skills needed for sustainable success.

Other Stories

CHEDRO III Recognizes CLSU for Outstanding Performance in Global Rankings

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) has once again affirmed its standing on the global academic stage, after receiving recognition from the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office III (CHEDRO III) for earning the two prestigious international rankings - 83rd in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2026 and achieving Rank 601–800 in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Rating 2026, during the PARANGAL Central Luzon 2026, on September 14, 2026, at Hotel Seoul, Clark, Pampanga. Dr. Parsons N. Hail, Director of the International Affairs Office (IAO), represented University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella during the awarding ceremony and received the certificates of recognition on behalf of the University. PARANGAL Central Luzon 2026, the Premier Awarding and Recognition of Academic Networks, Global Achievements and Linkages, was one of the highlights of TANGLAW (Together Achieving National and Global Legacies for ASEAN-ready and World-Class) Central Luzon 2026. Organized by CHEDRO III in line with the observance of ASEAN Month, TANGLAW Central Luzon 2026 forms part of the Commission’s continuing efforts to advance the internationalization of higher education institutions in Central Luzon and recognize their accomplishments in global engagement, partnerships, and international rankings.

Sep. 17, 2026

Juana ng Wika 2026: Tinig ng Kababaihan, Yaman ng Wika at Kultura

Matagumpay na isinagawa ng Departamento ng Filipino ng Central Luzon State University (CLSU) ang Juana ng Wika 2026 noong ika-14 ng Setyembre. Tampok dito ang pitong natatanging kandidata na nagtagisan ng talino, talento, at adbokasiya para sa wikang Filipino at kulturang Pilipino. May temang “Juana ng Wika 2026: Tinig ng Kababaihan, Yaman ng Wika at Kultura,” layunin ng paligsahan na itampok ang makapangyarihang boses at kakayahan ng kababaihan habang patuloy na pinahahalagahan ang pambansang wika at kultura. Ayon kay Prop. Nenita P. Fabrigas, tagapayo ng Konseho ng mga Mag-aaral ng BAFil, mahalaga ang mga ganitong uri ng programa upang mabigyan ang mga mag-aaral ng plataporma para maipahayag ang kanilang mga saloobin at adbokasiya. “Sa pamamagitan ng gawaing ito na Juana ng Wika, binibigyan natin ng bagong mukha ang bagong boses ng isang Pilipina. Isang Juana na hindi lamang maganda sa panlabas na anyo, kundi maganda sa isip, marangal sa puso, matatag sa paninindigan at mahusay gumamit ng kaniyang boses para sa mabuting layunin”, ani Prop. Fabrigas. Matapos ang maigting na tagisan ng husay, itinanghal bilang Juana ng Wika 2026 si Zephaniah Jane Sampaga mula sa BSED FIL 2-5. Nagsilbi rin ang programa bilang pampinid o pagtatapos na gawain ng Departamento, kung saan iginawad ang pagkilala sa mga nagwagi sa iba't ibang kumpetisyon tulad ng Kundiman, Modernong Balagtasan, Slogan Making, Pagkukuwento, Sanaysay, Poster Making, Lutuing Pinoy, at Quiz Bee.

Sep. 17, 2026

CLSU Kickstarts SIBOL 2026 to Empower Student Incubatees

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) through the Agriculture and Food Technology Business Incubator (AFTBI) formally commenced the SIBOL 2026: Nurturing Ideas, Growing Innovations, Creating Impact: Empowering Student Incubatees to Build Sustainable and Innovative Ventures, today, September 14, through a Ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing, marking a significant step toward strengthening student innovation and entrepreneurship within the University. Organized in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), the program equips student incubatees with startup mentorship, financial modeling, intellectual property guidance, and technical evaluation. The ceremonial signing was led by University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, with Dr. Celyrah B. Castillo, Dean of the College of Home Science and Industry (CHSI); Dr. Pablo J. Rafael, Jr., CHED CLSU-SIBOL Project Leader; Dr. Dana G. Vera Cruz, CHED CLSU-SIBOL Project Staff; Dr. Joel G. Juvinal, Assoc. Prof. Geraldine G. Tayag, and Asst. Prof. Jennylyne L. Joaquin, CHED CLSU-SIBOL Mentors and Resource Speakers; Dr. Jessica M. Rustia and Instructor Kim Aron Velasco, CHED CLSU-SIBOL Mentors; and Assoc. Prof. Celeste D. Dela Cruz, Head of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management (DTHM), together with the thirteen student incubatees and their parents and guardians. In his message, President Abella encouraged the student incubatees to make the most of the experience. “Your ideas may still be at their beginning stages, but with proper guidance and your willingness to learn, these ideas can grow into innovations that will definitely create impact in our community,” he stated. Following the ceremonial signing, the 13 student incubatees from the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) and Bachelor of Science in Food Technology (BSFT) began a three-day training workshop featuring a series of learning sessions designed to strengthen their competencies and equip them for the further development and commercialization of their innovative ideas. Through this collaboration, CLSU, CHED, and DOST-PCAARRD continue to empower the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs to identify opportunities, address challenges, and develop solutions responsive to the needs of communities and industries.

Sep. 14, 2026

View More