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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

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

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