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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

DOST III, CLSU ink MOA to Boost Agricultural Productivity through Smart Technologies

Sep. 13, 2024

Precious Joan P. Sibulburo | SCO

As part of a significant step towards advancing agricultural productivity in Central Luzon, the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office III (DOST-Central Luzon) and Central Luzon State University (CLSU) formally signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the collaborative project titled “Development of a Holistic Smart Agriculture System Synergizing Locally-Developed Smart Technologies to Enhance Agricultural Productivity and Competitiveness”. The signing took place on September 11, 2024 at Widus Hotel, Clark, Pampanga, during the 6th Regional Stakeholders event titled “Building Smart and Resilient Filipino Communities through Sustainable ICT Innovations.” Dr. Marvin Cinense, PhilSCAT Director representing University President Evaristo A. Abella, and Mr. Romeolito Tacbian on behalf of DOST III Regional Director Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat, officially signed the said MOA. With funding of more than two million pesos from the DOST III Regional Grants-In-Aid Program, the project aims to establish a centralized smart agriculture platform that intends to integrate various smart agriculture technologies, including locally developed systems. By using data-driven approaches, real-time weather data, precision farming techniques, and commodity forecasting, it will enhance farming decisions, optimize resources, and provide technical advisories to farmers and stakeholders. The project will also address critical challenges such as climate change, resource efficiency, and the need for sustainable farming practices, and is expected to significantly boost agricultural productivity in Central Luzon and beyond. Dr. Cinense emphasized the significance of this collaboration, highlighting its potential to modernize local farming practices and provide farmers with the necessary tools to address climate-related challenges. “The goal of the project is to enhance the resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability of agriculture, ultimately contributing to food security and economic development in the region,” he added. This activity marks a significant milestone in strengthening the partnership between DOST III and CLSU, both of which are committed to leveraging science and technology for the benefit of the Philippine agricultural sector.

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CLSU Stages "Cacao TALKS 2026" to Bolster Value Chain

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

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“My Puhunan” TV Show to Feature Tilapia Ice Cream

One of the Kapamilya Channel programs, titled "My Puhunan Kaya Mo!" visited Central Luzon State University (CLSU) to capture the story behind the world-renowned Daerry’s Tilapia Ice Cream on March 6, 2026. Accompanied by the developer herself, Dr. Dana G. Vera Cruz, the crew made a quick visit to the Dungon Museum and the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) at CLSU before diving into the production of the university’s most curious delicacy. The program aims to highlight how CLSU transformed a humble aquatic staple into a sweet, award-winning sensation that defies expectations with its creamy texture and zero-fishy taste. Watch and support this inspiring story, airing on March 15, 2026, at 4:00 pm on Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Online Live.

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COS Launches the FIRST Program to Elevate Research and Teaching

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