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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

CLSU Stages "Cacao TALKS 2026" to Bolster Value Chain

Mar. 12, 2026

Clara Ysabel Cawagdan Bravo | SCO

To showcase the latest findings and technologies in Cacao, the Central Luzon State University held the Cacao TALKS (Transforming Agriculture through Livelihoods, Knowledge and Sustainability) 2026: A Cacao Value Chain Conference on March 11, 2026, at the RIE Amphitheater. The conference convened over 120 cacao farmers, researchers, and entrepreneurs, with more than 1,000 views on Facebook Live, synchronizing efforts to elevate the Philippine cacao value chain. The event was made possible under the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) funded project titled “Productivity, Technical Efficiency, and Competitiveness of the Cacao Value Chain in the Philippines” led by Dr. Edilyn V. Lansangan, which aimed to transition the industry from traditional farming to a technology-driven, market-competitive sector. During the opening program, University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, represented by Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz, emphasized the importance of the gathering, noting that the presence of stakeholders reflects a collective drive to position cacao as one of the primary engines for rural development. “Today's conference brings together a diverse and dynamic community of stakeholders, from farmers and researchers to entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners. Your presence reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the Cacao Value Chain and unlocking the vast potential of Cacao as a driver of sustainable agriculture, livelihood generation, and rural development.” A high-level technical session featured industry leaders and researchers who addressed the multifaceted challenges of the sector. Philippine Cacao Industry Council (PCIC) President Consul Armi Lopez-Garcia and Dr. Divina M. Amalin of De La Salle University headlined a panel that covered national industry status, and the potential of cacao in the market. In addition, experts from CLSU, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), University of the Philippines Mindanao, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), and Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) discussed advanced pest management and the integration of modern agricultural techniques. Beyond production, the conference bridged the gap between the laboratory and the marketplace. Ms. Eva Ritchelle D. Padua, owner of The Dulce Chocolate House, provided an entrepreneurial perspective through presenting a developed product from cacao. The event also featured a technology demonstration held at PHilMech. The event is spearheaded by CLSU together with PCIC/Philippine Cacao Industry Association, Inc. (PCIA), PhilMech, UPLB, DOST-PCAARRD, and Central Luzon Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research and Development Consortium (CLAARRDEC). #SievingForExcellence

Related SDGs
  • 4

    Goal 4: Quality Education

  • 13

    Goal 13: Climate Action

  • 15

    Goal 15: Life on Land

  • 16

    Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  • 17

    Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals

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CLSU Expands Partnerships to Advance Community Welfare and Mental Health Initiatives

Central Luzon State University (CLSU), through the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), formally inked its partnership with Tahanan ng Banal na Awa (TBA) and the Science City of Muñoz OFW Federation (SCMOF) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing Ceremony held on May 7, 2026, at the Conference Room, New Administration building, CLSU. This meaningful partnership reflects CLSU’s commitment through an initiative titled “CLSU - C.A.R.E.S — Cultivating Awareness, Resilience, Empowerment, and Support” which aims to promote psycho-social support, mental health awareness, counseling services, capacity-building seminars, and community-based interventions for children, OFW families, and communities across Nueva Ecija. Leading the ceremony were Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz, Vice President for Research and Extension, representing University President Dr. Evaristo Abella, and Dr. Irene G. Bustos, Dean of Student Affairs. Also present were stakeholder representatives Ms. Anita De Guzman, President of the SCMOF, together with their Auditor, Ms. Reona G. Dumaya; and Rev. Fr. Ricardo N. Pangilinan, Jr., Director of Tahanan ng Banal na Awa, accompanied by Sister Catherine D. Ba-A, Residential Social Worker. The event was likewise attended by OSA Faculty members, Asst. Prof. Bernadette O. Binayug, OSA Extension Coordinator, Dr. Jayson Marzan, Anak at Kapamilya ng OFW (AKO) Focal Person, OSA staff, and other guests. Through this collaboration, CLSU, TBA, and SCMOF reaffirm their commitment to compassion, resilience, holistic care, and community empowerment for the welfare of children, OFW families, and the communities they serve.

May. 14, 2026

CLSU Shines in LEPT with Topnotchers and Remarkable 93% and 80% Institutional Passing Rates

The Central Luzon State University (CLSU), in its pursuit of academic excellence, recognizes the exceptional performance of its graduates in the recently concluded Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT), as announced by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Leading the “Golden Grains” in the Elementary Education category, Ms. Hannah Matdling Bernardo secured the fourth rank with an impressive rating of 94.20 percent, followed by Mr. Adriane Claude Tecson Cavinta, who placed ninth with a rating of 93 percent. Simultaneously, the university achieved further distinction at the Secondary Education level through the exemplary performance of Mr. Miguel Gavino Gantang Sevilla, who earned the third-highest rank nationwide with a 94.60 percent rating. Beyond individual triumphs, the university recorded impressive institutional passing rates that significantly exceeded the national averages. The Elementary Education program achieved a stellar 93.10 percent passing rate with 27 newly licensed professional teachers, while the Secondary Education level garnered a robust 80.70 percent passing rate, welcoming 92 successful examinees to the teaching profession. The University administration and community extend their congratulations to all the successful examinees and their families for this achievement. Mabuhay ang ating mga bagong guro!

May. 12, 2026

CLSU Partners with LGU Cabanatuan for LIPAT Project

The Central Luzon State University (CLSU) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Cabanatuan City formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on May 12, 2026, through the efforts of Mr. Dominic Reyes, Peace Corps Volunteer assigned at the Bahay Pag-asa Recreational and Rehabilitative Center, marking the start of a meaningful partnership through the project titled “Liwanag at Pag-asa mula sa Aghan at Teknolohiya ng CLSU (LIPAT)”. The LIPAT Project is a comprehensive intervention approach focused on sharing agricultural technical knowledge and lifelong skills to help uplift the constituents of Bahay Pag-asa toward a better and more sustainable state. The initiative aims to empower beneficiaries through capacity-building activities, practical agricultural learning, values formation, and skills development that promote self-reliance, productivity, and personal growth. This partnership reflects the shared commitment of CLSU and LGU Cabanatuan in promoting rehabilitation, community development, and inclusive opportunities through science, technology, education, and extension services. Present during the ceremony were Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, University President; Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Extension; Dr. Celyrah D. Castillo, representing the Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco; and Dr. Gella Patria L. Abella, Director, Center for Climate Change and Environmental Management. Also present were stakeholder representatives Mr. Alexis John Ferrer, CSWDO Worker and Case Worker at Bahay Pag-asa. The event was likewise attended by Dr. Shirly C. Serrano, Mr. Henrison C. Sanchez, Mr. Joseph Vladimir V. Gaban, and Kathrina M. Villar. Through this collaborative effort, CLSU and its partner institutions continue to bring “liwanag at pag-asa” to communities by fostering transformative education, empowerment, and meaningful public service.

May. 12, 2026

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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines 3120
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  • (044) 940 8785

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