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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

Other Stories

CE Grads Attain 31% Passing Rate in Latest Licensure Exam Results

The Central Luzon State University (CLSU), together with the College of Engineering (CEN), proudly celebrates the 46 newly licensed Civil Engineers who successfully passed the rigorous March 2026 Civil Engineering Licensure Examination (CELE) administered by the Professional Regulation Commission. Amidst a challenging examination, the university achieved a 31.51% passing rate, marking a commendable upward trend and a significant improvement over last year’s performance. To our new Civil Engineers, we extend our warmest congratulations on this achievement; may you use your license with the highest degree of integrity, utilizing your expertise to foster national progress and carry the honor and dignity of a true CLSUan into your field. To those who fell short this time, we offer our profound encouragement. This setback is merely a pause, not the end of your journey. CLSU remains proud of every examinee who braved the challenge with courage and commitment. Padayon, Sielesyuans!

Apr. 07, 2026

CLSU Opens 3rd Interagency Tennis Tournament

To strengthen the professional and personal bonds between the leading institutions within the Science City of Muñoz, Central Luzon State University (CLSU) officially kicked off the 3rd Annual Interagency Tennis Tournament, serving as an energetic prelude to the university’s highly anticipated 119th Founding Anniversary. This year's tournament features four teams from various institutions, including CLSU, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), Local Government Unit – Science City of Muñoz, together with the Department of Education Muñoz (DepEd), and the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC). The event opened with a ceremonial serve led by University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, signaling the start of the friendly yet fierce competition. Beyond the spirit of competition, this year’s tournament emphasizes the importance of work-life balance. By stepping off the fields and out of the laboratories, personnel from various agencies are given a vital space to prioritize physical wellness and mental health through sport. #SievingForExcellence

Apr. 06, 2026

Sen. Hontiveros Joins Discussion on University Safe Spaces

Central Luzon State University (CLSU), through the University Supreme Student Council (USSC) and the CLSU Paruparong Bukid Organization, hosted another series of the “Hue Belong: Inclusive Education for All” which promoted equality and a sense of belongingness within the academic community, held on March 30, 2026, at the FPJ Communication Hall. As the event’s guest of honor, Senator Risa Hontiveros, the primary author of the Safe Spaces Act, delivered a powerful message on the need to eliminate harassment in all environments. She emphasized that fostering an inclusive culture is not the duty of a few, but a collective obligation. “Lahat tayo ay responsible for providing safe spaces. Lahat tayo ay may papel dito. Sa paraan ng pakikinig natin, pagtrato sa isa’t isa. Kahit sa maliliit na bagay lang pwede tayong mag ambag… Ang pagpili na umintindi bago manghusga,” Sen. Hontiveros stated. She further stressed, “Kung gusto natin mag build ng inclusive education and safe spaces, we need to be intentional. Kailangan may conscious effort na gawing mas maayos, mas ligtas, at mas inclusive ang bawat espasyo, dahil ang inclusivity ay commitment.” One of the highlights of the event was the "couch session," which brought together diverse perspectives on community leadership and the policies and movements aimed at eliminating discrimination and harassment. Joining Sen. Hontiveros on the panel were Dr. Ravelina Velasco, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Hon. Baby Armi Alvarez, Mayor of the Science City of Muñoz; and Mx. Chloe Castillo, Head of the CLSU Paruparong Bukid Organization. The discussion further underscored the importance of speaking up, seeking help, and institutionalizing protections for student well-being. This ensures that "inclusive education" translates into tangible safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community and the wider student body. The forum concluded with a meet-and-greet session, allowing representatives from various student organizations, the university administration, and other groups across Nueva Ecija to raise their concerns and present their advocacies directly to the senator. #SievingForExcellence #SafeSpaces

Mar. 31, 2026

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Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines 3120
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