University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella and College of Home Science and Industry faculty Dr. Dana G. Vera Cruz were awarded the Sustainability Champion Award and Outstanding Sustainability Practices Award, respectively, during the Asia Pacific Sustainability and Conference Award 2025 held on May 21, 2025, at the M World Hotel, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
President Abella was recognized for his unwavering commitment to embedding sustainability into Central Luzon State University’s (CLSU) academic, research, and operational systems. Under his leadership, the University is championing renewable energy adoption, climate-resilient agriculture, and inclusive community development. On his behalf, Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz, Vice President for Research and Extension, received the award.
Dr. Vera Cruz, on the other hand, was honored for her globally acclaimed Tilapia Ice Cream innovation and the P5 Framework—People, Planet, Product, Partnership, and Profit—that guides Vera Bella Enterprises’ sustainable business model.
Their stories will be featured in the Asia Pacific Awardees—Cenderahati Book, which will be distributed to foreign embassies across Malaysia.
Meanwhile, in a heartfelt tribute also during the said event, Dr. Billy Tang Chee Seng, Global Chair and CEO of PWD Smart FarmAbility Malaysia awarded the Global HOPE Award to President Abella, Dr. Vera Cruz, Vera Bella Managing Partner, Dr. Tereso A. Abella, former CLSU President and Vera Bella President, and Dr. Pablo J. Rafael, CLSU Business Development Division Director where he manages the Agriculture and Food Technology Business Incubator that supports incubatees.
The HOPE Award honors those demonstrating extraordinary inclusive leadership, regenerative impact, and social equity, particularly those who are championing marginalized, disability-led, or underserved communities.
The said event was participated by over 180 delegates from China, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Egypt, and the Philippines.
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