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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

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EXHIBIT ON "UNDERSTANDING ARAQUIO" HELD IN CLSU

Dec. 10, 2021

PAO | PAO

A public exhibit entitled “Understanding Araquio: Tracing the Steps, Music, and Visual Exhibit” was held at the CLSU Agricultural Museum last March 25. Dr. Reyes tackled the relevance of culture to Araquio, a century-old theatre ritual in honor of the Holy Cross perform every month of May in Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija. Practitioners believe that this theatrical genre existed when the first brass band of the town was established. Written in archaic Tagalog verse form, the play includes conventions like stylized delivery of the verses, marching formations, choreographed fights, songs and artificial effects. “Kung walang ugat, walang puno. Kung walang ugat, hindi magiging mayabong”, Dr. Reyes depicted the essence of culture through the use of allegory. He also pointed that the research will serve as the bridge that will strengthen the connection of the Filipinos and their culture. This captured the interest of Dr. Gaboy to conduct a research about Araquio, along with his co-researchers: Dr. Florante P. Ibarra, Dr. Jay B. Villafria Jr., and Mr. Adonis Voltaire M. Villanueva; and his research assistants: Keiven A. Encarnacion, Gio A. Ferrer, Angeline E. Micua, and Paolo Carl E. Soliven. Particularly, the project aims to trace the historical background of Araquio; to transcribe notation, record the music and dance of Araquio; to document the performance of Araquio with highlights on visuals, history, music and dance; publish the book and distribute among schools, museums, tourism offices, and libraries; and launch exhibits and lectures in schools and different fora to popularize Araquio among the youth of the present generation. The project exhibit is a joint project of the Center for Central Luzon Studies and of Commission on Higher Education and National Commission for Culture and the Arts through the Salikha Creative Research Grant. It is ongoing for 18 months from July 2018 to December 2019.  Meanwhile, the project exhibit was graced by the CLSU officials headed by Dr. Tereso A. Abella, University President; and Dr. Renato G. Reyes, Vice President for Academic Affairs; other members of the CLSU Administrative Council; faculty and staff; and special guests Araquio mentors from Brgy. Sto. Tomas and Sinasajan, Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija.

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CLSU Mushroom Center Spawns 35 Years of Excellence

The Central Luzon State University (CLSU), through the Center for Tropical Mushroom Research and Development (CTMRD), kicked off the 4-day celebration of its 35th Founding Anniversary with the theme “Honoring 35 Years of Pioneering Excellence: Cultivating Legacy, Advancing Innovations, and Sustaining Service for Generations” on July 20, 2026, at the RIE Amphitheater. Prominent individuals in the mushroom industry delivered an inspirational message, including Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Director and Board of Regents member, Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat, CTMRD founder and Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) President, Dr. Renato G. Reyes, and Science City of Muñoz City Agriculturist Mr. Lionel Parugrug, representing Hon. Baby Armi L. Alvarez. They reminded the audience of this milestone's significance and honored the achievements of those who have contributed to the growth of both the mushroom initiative and the CTMRD. Meanwhile, Mr. Carl Vincent D. Gapasin, a CLSU alumnus and the current Program Head Coordinator of the Department of Agriculture's National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program, highlighted the center's critical role in agricultural development. “This is precisely why institutions like CTMRD are indispensable; you serve as a bridge between scientific discovery and practical application," Gapasin stated. "Every technology developed creates new opportunities for agencies like the Bureau of Plant Industry and the Department of Agriculture to bring these innovations closer to our communities,” he added. Furthermore, one of the highlights of the event was the launching of Mush. PH: Mushroom Philippines Innovation Network and the oath-taking of its elected officials, and the book launching of CTMRD’s Mykollet: A compendium of Tropical Mushrooms of the Philippines. Among those in attendance were representatives from ASCOT, Bulacan State University, Visayas State University, Iligan Institute of Technology, Golden State College, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Pangasinan State University, Adamson University, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, and the Muñoz Local Government Unit.

Jul. 21, 2026

CLSU, LGU Muñoz Advance Proposed S&T Park Development Through Strategic Engagements with PEZA and PPP Center

The Central Luzon State University (CLSU), through the Office of the Vice President for Business Affairs (OVPBA), continues to strengthen the development of the proposed CLSU Knowledge, Innovation, Science and Technology (KIST) Park through strategic engagements with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of the Philippines. On July 7, CLSU met with officials from the PPP Center including Assistant Secretary and PPP Center Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Eleazar E. Ricote and the Local Capacity Building Division Assistant Chief, Mr. Ysrael Camacho to explore Public-Private Partnership opportunities that could support the University's infrastructure and innovation priorities. The discussions highlighted the PPP Center's technical and advisory services, as well as potential partnership models that can help accelerate the realization of the KIST Park and other strategic development initiatives. Building on this initiative, Dr. Karenina B. Romualdo, Vice President for Business Affairs and Chair of the Special Economic Zone Act (SEZA), CLSU KIST Park and PPP Committee, joined the delegation from the Science City of Muñoz led by the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (LEDIPO), headed by Engr. Jose A. Ruiz, Jr., in a high-level consultation with PEZA on July 16, to discuss the proposed registration of specialized economic zones in the city. The PEZA officials were led by Ecozone Development Department Manager, Mr. Ludwig O. Daza and Project Development Officer, Ms. Kyle Paula N. Espinoza, who discussed the establishment of PEZA-registered economic zones that will boost investments and strengthen the city's competitiveness. During the consultation, the Science City of Muñoz presented its investment profile and proposed economic zones for the agro-industrial, commercial, and information technology sectors. CLSU, meanwhile, presented its vision for innovation- and research-driven economic zones that will promote technology commercialization, industry collaboration, and investments in pharmaceutical manufacturing and research. Both meetings marked the culmination of a series of consultations and technical discussions between CLSU and the Science City of Muñoz to align development strategies, identify priority investment areas, and refine the proposed ecozone for PEZA registration. These engagements demonstrate CLSU's commitment to transforming research and innovation into drivers of economic growth through strategic partnerships, sustainable investments, and industry collaboration. The University remains dedicated to working closely with government agencies and local stakeholders in advancing the KIST Park as a catalyst for science, technology, innovation, and inclusive regional development in Central Luzon. #SievingForExcellence

Jul. 20, 2026

CLSU Spearheads Tree-Planting Activity of CLAARRDEC to Kick-off its Golden Anniversary

Early this morning, July 3, the Central Luzon State University (CLSU), serving as the base agency of the Central Luzon Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (CLAARRDEC), spearheaded a tree-planting activity to officially kick off the Consortium’s pre-celebration of its 50th Founding Anniversary. Held in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, the activity was graced by Hon. Ricardo Manucdoc, Vice Mayor of Carranglan, who joined and led the volunteers in planting more than a thousand robusta coffee seedlings. In his message, Vice Mayor Manucdoc shared that the municipality has been conducting similar initiatives since 2022 as part of its efforts to rehabilitate mountain areas devastated by forest fires. “Nagpapasalamat kami dahil ang CLSU ay laging tumutugon sa ating mga pangangailangan at adbokasiya,” said Vice Mayor Manucdoc. “Kami po ay aasahan ninyong maging kapartner sa mga ganitong adhikain,” he added, reaffirming the municipality’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable partnerships. Around 50 participants from CLSU and CLAARRDEC took part in the activity, led by Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, University President and Chair of the CLAARRDEC Regional Research and Development Coordinating Council, together with Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Extension and Consortium Director; Mr. Neal A. Del Rosario, Director of the Small Ruminant Center and Consortium Deputy Director; and Assoc. Prof. Maria Adrielle S. Estigoy, Presidential Assistant for Strategic Communication and Regional Science Communication Cluster Coordinator. In his message, President Abella expressed his gratitude to the LGU of Carranglan for warmly welcoming CLSU and CLAARRDEC, emphasizing that the activity gave greater significance to the Consortium’s golden anniversary celebration. “Natutuwa po kami sa patuloy ninyong pagbahagi sa aming gawain. We continue to be partners for development,” he stressed. Anchored on the theme, “CLAARRDEC at 50: Connecting Science, Society, and Sustainability,” the tree-planting initiative symbolizes the Consortium’s enduring commitment to advancing sustainable development in agriculture, fisheries, environment, and natural resources. The planting of more than five hundred robusta coffee seedlings reflects CLAARRDEC’s continuing efforts to promote environmental conservation while strengthening partnerships with local communities. The activity was further supported by various civic organizations and vloggers/influencers and was made possible through the assistance of the CLSU Center for Climate Change and Environmental Management. In solidarity with the celebration, other CLAARRDEC member institutions will likewise conduct a tree-planting activity in their respective areas, demonstrating the Consortium’s shared commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation as it marks five decades of service to the region.

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