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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

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CLSU Secures DOST funding for PEST D-TECH project under MECO-TECO JRP

Jun. 06, 2023

Ronel Runes, & Lea Caguiat | SCO

The Central Luzon State University (CLSU) secured a new project funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) through the Agricultural Resources Management Research Division (ARMRD) under the Manila Economic and Cultural Office – Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (MECO-TECO) Cooperation Scheme launched last May 3, 2023, in a hybrid event.   The project titled "Monitoring and Management of Major Pests and Diseases of Corn and Onion through Robotics and Drone Technology (PEST D-TECH)", will be led by Dr. Gella Patria Abella, Head of the Institute for Climate Change and Environmental Management (ICCEM).   PEST D-TECH has been approved for a total budget of PHP 10,000,000.00 which will run from April 2023 to March 2025.  It is a collaborative project with Dr. Ping-Lang Yen of the National Taiwan University (NTU) to employ sophisticated equipment such as drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) and robotics (unmanned ground vehicles), equipped with powerful multispectral cameras and sensors.   The event was attended by the project leader, project staff, stakeholders from CLSU and DLSU, and project monitoring officials from DOST-PCAARRD, who gathered to discuss the project’s goals, objectives, timelines, and resources required for successful implementation. Also, it was attended by New Hope Precision Agriculture Corporation, PEST D-TECH’s licensed drone service provider, to draft the service level agreement of the two collaborating parties. The attendees from CLSU convened at the Climate Change Center (CCC), ICCEM.   The project aims to collect the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) through remote sensing and hopes to produce crop monitoring systems that will help farmers avoid income losses caused by pests and diseases. The reflected intensities of visible and near-infrared lights will be used to determine crop health and assess crop condition, and photosynthetic activities. Moreover, it will also focus on identifying and addressing pests and diseases in onion and corn crops in selected sites in Nueva Ecija and Tarlac. 

Other Stories

FAC, CF Hold Workshop on In-pond Raceway Systems

The Central Luzon State University (CLSU), through the Freshwater Aquaculture Center (FAC) and College of Fisheries (CF), spearheaded a workshop about the In-pond Raceway Systems (IPRS) today, July 16, 2025, at the OVPAA Amphitheater. The workshop also collaborated with the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), which aims to provide an in-depth understanding of In-Pond Raceway Systems (IPRS) and their potential impact on local aquaculture. In her opening remarks, Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco, Vice President for Academic Affairs Program, conveyed her appreciation to the USSEC for their efforts in sharing their time and expertise for sustainable aquaculture. She also emphasized that the collaboration isn’t just about the academic initiatives, but also has greater benefits. “This collaboration between USSEC and CLSU through our Freshwater Aquaculture Center and the College of Fisheries is more than an academic initiative; it is a manifestation of the university’s ongoing mission to develop globally competitive, socially-responsible, and work-ready graduates, future leaders who are not only equipped with knowledge but also empowered to address global challenges,” Dr. Velasco said. Moreover, Dr. Ernesto J. Morales, Philippine Aquaculture Technical Manager of USSEC provided an overview of the USSEC and introduced the keynote speakers: Mr. Philip Sharples Kemp Jr., IPRS Consultant, Mr. Zhou Enhua, IPRS Lead, Mr. Hsiang Pin Lan, Marine Specialist, and Mr. Bui Ngoc Thanh, Vietnam Aquaculture Technical Manager. They shared their knowledge and experiences in In-pond Raceway Systems. Gracing the events are key officials of the university including Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz, Vice President for Research and Extension, and Dr. Tereso A. Abella, CLSU's Former President and Professor Emeritus at the CF. Over 120 participants from government agencies, private sectors, CLSU Faculty, Staff, and students attended in person, with additional students joining via Zoom.

Jul. 17, 2025

CLSU Marks 1990 Luzon Quake Anniversary with University-Wide Earthquake Drill

The Central Luzon State University (CLSU) through the University Disaster Risk Reduction Management Committee (UDRRMC) and Institute for Climate Change and Environmental Management (ICCEM) conducted a comprehensive university-wide earthquake drill on July 16, 2025, marking the 35th anniversary of the devastating 1990 Luzon Earthquake. CLSU's emergency response teams, including university security, medical personnel, and trained student volunteers, were at the forefront. They meticulously assessed simulated "damage," provided immediate "first aid" to participants acting as casualties, and managed the flow of evacuees. The 1990 Luzon Earthquake, a catastrophic event that struck on July 16, 1990, caused widespread destruction and loss of life across Central Luzon. Its memory continues to serve as a powerful motivation for enhanced disaster preparedness efforts in the Philippines. Through the said event, the university was able to honor and remember those who lost their lives, test disaster preparedness protocols, enhance emergency response capabilities, and instill a culture of safety among students, faculty, and staff.

Jul. 17, 2025

CLSU's HR Retains PRIME-HRM Bronze Award

Central Luzon State University (CLSU), through the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), headed by Mr. Jonathan Gurion, successfully retained its Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM) Bronze Award after the rigorous evaluation by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) on July 3, 2025. The evaluation, led by Director Maj. Eleanor M. Prado (RES) PA of the CSC Nueva Ecija Field Office, meticulously scrutinized the university’s performance across all core HR areas. These included Recruitment, Selection, and Placement; Learning and Development; Performance Management; and Rewards and Recognition. The findings demonstrated that CLSU's human resource practices and documentation are fully compliant with all CSC laws and rules, affirming the university's unwavering commitment to HR excellence. This continued recognition underscores CLSU's dedication to fostering a meritocratic and high-performing environment for its employees, ultimately contributing to the university's overall success and its mission to deliver quality service.

Jul. 15, 2025

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