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.

Related SDGs
  • 2

    Goal 2: Zero Hunger

  • 3

    Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being

  • 5

    Goal 5: Gender Equality

  • 9

    Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  • 15

    Goal 15: Life on Land

  • 16

    Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  • 17

    Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals

Other Stories

CLSU Collegian among best performing pubs in R3

Central Luzon State University’s (CLSU) official student publication, CLSU Collegian, once again reaffirmed its journalistic competence after securing the 3rd and 5th placements of the individual and group events, respectively, among 42 participating publications during the 24th Regional Higher Education Press Conference (RHEPC) in Arayat, Pampanga. Securing 21 awards in the individual events to place 3rd overall, several staff from the publication who placed fifth and higher, will qualify for the Luzonwide Higher Education Press Conference (LHEPC) in Tuguegarao City on March 17-19. The individual awards were secured by the following: Reyan Dehl Moreno - 1st Individual Highest Pointer - 1st Place Digital Literary Graphics (English) - LHEPC QUALIFIER - 1st place Digital Editorial Cartooning (English) - LHEPC QUALIFIER - 4th Place Digital Comic Strip (English) - LHEPC QUALIFIER Vince JC Macadangdang - 5th Individual Highest Pointer - 1st Place Poetry Writing (Filipino) - LHEPC QUALIFIER - 2nd Place Opinion Writing (Filipino) - LHEPC QUALIFIER Karl Roy Toralba - 1st Place Sports Writing (Filipino) - LHEPC QUALIFIER Merwin Lad Velasco - 2nd Place Layouting - LHEPC QUALIFIER Noel Manubay - 3rd Place Feature Writing (English) - LHEPC QUALIFIER Marco Bacnis - 3rd place Copy Editing and Headline Writing (English) - LHEPC QUALIFIER Dexter Viloria - 4th Place Digital Comic Strip (Filipino) - LHEPC QUALIFIER - 7th Place Digital Editorial Cartooning (Filipino) Sherwin Andres - 4th Place Traditional Comic Strip (Filipino) - LHEPC QUALIFIER - 9th Place Traditional Literary Graphics (Filipino) Ian Cabudol - 4th Place Traditional Comic Strip (English) - LHEPC QUALIFIER Marlfey Jozaerah Angemyr Mactal - 4th Place Infographics - LHEPC QUALIFIER Zian Louie Lopez - 6th place Photojournalism (English) James William Soriano - 9th Place Opinion Writing (English) Melorie Faith Dizon - 9th place Copy Reading and Headline Writing (Filipino) Moreover, the publication also took the fifth overall in the group contests after sealing 20 awards in their print issues for the tabloid, newsletter, and literary folio categories. The following awards are as follows: Newsletter - 3rd Best Newsletter Overall (among 20 entries) - 2nd Best Opinion and Editorial Pages - 2nd Best Sports Pages - 2nd Best Page Design - 6th Best News Pages - 6th Best Features Pages Tabloid - 2nd Best Tabloid Overall (among 12 entries) - 1st Best News Pages - 2nd Best Editorial and Opinion Pages - 4th Best Sports Pages - 4th Best Literary Pages - 5th Best Page Design - 9th Best Development Communication Pages - 10th Best Features Pages Literary Folio - Cascara - 5th Best Literary Folio Overall (among 20 entries) - 3rd Best Cover Design - 6th Best Page Design - 6th Best Visual Arts - 7th Best Literary Content - 8th Best Literary Concept Additionally, this year’s edition of RHEPC also marked the inception of the Mobile Journalism special event from which CLSU Collegian’s representatives were able to get the fifth place. The team was composed of Kate Justine Briones, Renz Justine Aquino, Zian Louie Lopez, Merwin Lad Velasco, and Julius Ceazar Gumarang. Meanwhile, Alianah Marie Pangilinan stood out individually, finishing as the 1st Runner-Up in the Ms. RHEPC 2026, and earning Best in Advocacy Video and Best Publication Shirt for the Female Category. Overall, CLSU Collegian was able to reap 43 awards in the RHEPC, which was organized by the Association of Tertiary School Paper Advisers of Region III, Inc.

Feb. 16, 2026

CLSU Hosts its First-ever Alumni Night

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) capped off its Grand Alumni Homecoming Week with the university’s first-ever Alumni Night on February 7, 2026, held at the FPJ Communication Hall. Organized by the Office of the President in partnership with the Alumni Relations Division under the Strategic Communication Office and the CLSU Alumni Association Inc. (CLSUAAI), the event provided a premier venue for graduates across generations to reconnect. The night fostered camaraderie, shared memories, and meaningful fellowship among the university’s alumni. In his keynote address, University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella highlighted the enduring bond between CLSU and its alumni. He emphasized that the university remains a home for all, regardless of their professional paths. “Isa rin itong paalala na saan man tayo dalhin ng ating mga pangarap at mithiin sa buhay, may isang lugar na patuloy nating babalikan—ang ating mahal na CLSU, kung saan tayo natutong mangarap, magsikap, at maging kung sino tayo ngayon,” said President Abella. The event was graced by prominent university figures and local leaders, including Dr. Danilo S. Vargas, President of CLSUAAI; Dr. Fiorello L. Abenes, President of CLSU International Alumni Association Inc.; Dr. Romeo V. Labios, Representative of the CLSU Society of COCOFED Grantees; and Hon. Baby Armi L. Alvarez, Mayor of the Science City of Muñoz. Highlighting the university’s artistic excellence, the evening featured performances by CLSU Maestro, Tanghalang Gagalaw, and the CLSU Bithay Sining Dance Company. The celebration continued late into the night with fellowship, dancing, and shared memories, marking a memorable start to CLSU’s tradition of alumni engagement.

Feb. 11, 2026

OSA Dean Completes Student Affairs and Services Specialist Course

In her commitment to lifelong learning, Dr. Irene G. Bustos, Dean of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), has successfully earned her Certificate in Student Affairs and Services (SAS) Specialist Course. The 78-hour hybrid program integrates online modules with intensive in-person workshops. The course also served as a premier professional development initiative, sharpening the competencies of student affairs practitioners through intensive discussions, workshops, and applied learning activities. This professional development program, offered by the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Center for Continuing Professional Education in partnership with the Philippine Association of Practitioners of Student Affairs and Services Inc. (PAPSAS), aimed to address contemporary challenges, emerging trends, and best practices in the field.

Feb. 11, 2026

View More
FOI Transparency Seal CLSU Data Privacy Seal of Registration

Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines 3120
  • Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
  • op@clsu.edu.ph
  • (044) 940 8785

Opportunities
E-Services
Feedback and Grievance Desk
Central Luzon State University values the voices of its students, faculty, staff, and the people it serves and is committed to continuously improve its services. As part of our commitment to quality and excellence, we encourage you to share your feedback, concerns, and suggestions.

To ensure your inputs are heard and addressed, we provide the following official channels for receiving feedback and grievances.
  • feedback@clsu.edu.ph
  • +63 9537 267 511
  • (044) 940 7030
© Copyright 2023 Central Luzon State University All Rights Reserved