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

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.

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CLSU, Tamagawa University Hold BaCaDM-SATREPS International Symposium

The Banana and Cacao Diseases Management or the (BaCaDM) Project, a 5-year jointly collaborative project by the Central Luzon State University, Philippines, and Tamagawa University, Japan, successfully conducted the BaCaDM–SATREPS International Symposium on March 4, 2026, at Tamagawa University in Japan. The event was spearheaded by the Chief Investigator of the project, Dr. Kyoko Watanabe, and co-organized by the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) team headed by University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella. Following a series of preparatory meetings among project partners, the symposium was successfully organized as part of the BaCaDM Project initiatives to strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange among stakeholders working on banana and cacao disease management. The symposium featured four sessions that focused on various topics related to the management of banana and cacao diseases. These sessions served as a platform for researchers, experts, and stakeholders to share knowledge, experiences, and developments related to plant disease management. The event was attended by officials and representatives from various sectors and partner institutions. Among the distinguished guests was the Honorable Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, Ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Japan. Representatives from several partner institutions were also present, including the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Plant Industry in the Philippines; the Strategic Planning and Development Center (NARO); the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; General Incorporated Association MJ-STeP; Unifrutti Japan Co., Ltd.; ABS Compliance Support Center; and the National Museum of Nature and Science. Also present were delegates from Japanese academic institutions, including Shizuoka University, Yokohama University, and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology. The successful conduct of the BaCaDM–SATREPS International Symposium marks an important milestone for the BaCaDM Project as it continues to advance its objectives and promote international cooperation in plant disease research and management for banana and cacao. #SievingForExcellence

Mar. 10, 2026

5 IT Students Join Int’l Technology Programs in Indonesia and Canada

Five undergraduate students from the Department of Information Technology under the College of Engineering (CEN) represented the University in two international programs: the Communication Technology (CommTECH) Camp Insight 2026—Stream 1: Technology Innovations, and Stream 2: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Innovations—hosted by Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) in Surabaya, Indonesia, and the Micro-credential Virtual Program hosted by the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC), Canada. Mr. Benjamin Kacey L. Pidazo and Mr. Airan Vinz T. Araneta participated in the CommTECH Camp Insight 2026, where they had the opportunity to explore technological developments in Indonesia, particularly the latest innovations from ITS, as well as the implementation of the SDGs at ITS and in Surabaya. The program featured dynamic courses and workshops, seminars, hands-on activities, discussions with key entity representatives, and visits to iconic destinations. Mr. Pidazo and Mr. Araneta also collaborated on sustainable innovations and received the “Most Curious Participant” Award while securing scholarships for both program streams. Meanwhile, Mr. Gabriel P. Ampis, Mr. Rion Fauszt O. Bustos, and Mr. Jim Henson C. Martin are currently participating in the “Basics of Defending Against Cybercrime” Micro-credential Virtual Program, which runs from March 1 to May 8, 2026. The program provides participants with an understanding of how cybercriminals use technology to their advantage, how personal cybercrimes, such as spam and cyberbullying, can harm businesses and individuals, how social media operates, and how both criminals and law enforcement utilize social media platforms. It also emphasizes the importance of protecting personal information from misuse. Mr. Ampis, Mr. Bustos, and Mr. Martin are the first recipients of the University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP) Canada Scholarship Grant, amounting to CAD 1,600, which covers their registration fee for the virtual course program.

Mar. 10, 2026

CLSUAAI Installs New Board of Directors

The Central Luzon State University Alumni Association Incorporated (CLSUAAI) has officially installed its newly elected Board of Directors and officers following an oath-taking ceremony held on March 9, 2026. The oath-taking, administered by CLSU President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, formalized the board’s assumption of duties and its pledge to uphold the association’s mission of serving CLSU alumni. The new officers are as follows: President and Board Chairman: Dir. Nemecio V. Torres Vice President: Dir. Jay C. Santos Secretary: Dir. Remedios Z. Panuyas Treasurer: Dir. Jaypee H. Estigoy Auditor: Dir. Ma. Pamela DV. Roguel Public Relations Officer: Dir. Jovita B. Agliam Business Manager: Dir. Jose Ariel G. Barza Members of the Board: Dir. Carlos C. Abon Jr. Dir. Thristan B. Escudero Dir. Jamal James D. Manlapig Dir. Danilo S. Vargas With this set of CLSUAAI Board of Directors, the association is expected to advance key programs that reinforce our alumni network and expand professional opportunities for the alumni and the CLSU Community. The association invites alumni to participate in upcoming initiatives and collaborative projects that will help shape its priorities and amplify its impact across the university and beyond. #SievingForExcellence

Mar. 10, 2026

Central Luzon State University

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

Laurence Lingat | OSA

Other Stories

CLSU, Tamagawa University Hold BaCaDM-SATREPS International Symposium

5 IT Students Join Int’l Technology Programs in Indonesia and Canada

CLSUAAI Installs New Board of Directors

Central Luzon State University

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Central Luzon State University

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

Laurence Lingat | OSA

Related SDGs

Other Stories

CLSU, Tamagawa University Hold BaCaDM-SATREPS International Symposium

5 IT Students Join Int’l Technology Programs in Indonesia and Canada

CLSUAAI Installs New Board of Directors

Central Luzon State University

Opportunities

E-Services

Feedback and Grievance Desk