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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Lab Life of a Microbiologist: A Journey of a First-Gen Graduate

Feb. 14, 2024

StratCom | SCO

“My journey might be different from yours and it’s okay, there's no need for comparisons. We are all travelling according to our own timeline, there's no need to hurry. Just keep moving forward and enjoy the ride.“ This is how Angelica G. Quitalig lived her academic journey as a BS Biology student of Central Luzon State University who will graduate as Magna Cum Laude and will lead the graduating class of 2024 during the 33rd Midyear Commencement Exercises on February 16 as the class valedictorian. Growing up, Angelica was always reminded by her parents on the importance of finishing and having good education. Her mother, Mrs. Elena Quitalig, at the age of 21, gave up her studies to raise Angelica and her siblings while, her father, Mr. Fernand Quitalig, opted to be in the military service to provide for their family. Witnessing the hardships of her parents being both undergraduates, Angelica promised herself that she would finish her education – making her a first generation graduate of her family. “Lagi nilang sinasabi sa akin na yung Edukasyon lang yung maipapamana nila sa amin. Hindi kasi sila nakapagkatapos ng pag-aaral at wala din naman kaming ibang yaman o ari-arian kaya kung itong education ko yung ipapamana nila, sabi ko sarili ko noon, gagalingan ko at pagyayabungin pa ito.” It was during her junior year in High School that Angelica found her passion and fascination on the wonders of Science. The laboratory became her sanctuary and treated the microscope as her go-to gadget. This paved the way for her to secure a scholarship from the Department of Science and Technology. As a student, she experienced struggles and challenges just like her peers who needed to manage their finances for the laboratory experiments, books, and other needs to sustain their stay at the university. These however did not disheartened Angelica but further boosted her determination to finish her studies and deepened her love for science specifically in microbiology. By doing what she loves, Angelica exceled in her studies despite the change of teaching modality due to the pandemic. The transition to online and going back to face-to-face classes became another wall she had to break down where another nemesis awaits, her thesis proposal. “Nung una po siyempre na down ako and na-dissapoint kasi akala ko makakasabay kong grumaduate yung mga kaibigan ko. Pero dahil sa suporta ng pamilya ko na laging naka-alalay sakin, ganun din yung adviser at mga kaibigan ko, tinulungan nila ako na talagang tapusin yung thesis ko.” Despite facing numerous challenges, Angelica demonstrated resiliency and kept on pursuing her passion and focused on her studies which resulted to her general weighted average of 1.31 making her graduate as a magna cum laude and eventually the valedictorian of the 33rd midyear graduating class. Angelica’s journey is an example on how a student can demonstrate persistence in chasing their dreams. Her timeline might be different from her friends but she kept on pushing and moving forward. May her story remind us that life is not a race. We have our own battles, roads to traverse, and timelines to adhere to both in school and in life. Remember, it's your journey, so make it worthwhile. Congratulations Angelica and all the students you represent very well. Padayon graduates!

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CLSU Convenes DC-SUC III and CIRPS Meeting with CHED

University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella led the Joint Executive and Technical Staff Meeting of the Development Council of State Universities and Colleges Region III – Center for Inter-Institutional Research and Policy Studies (DC-SUC III/CIRPS) in Playa Azul, Baler, Aurora, last May 20, 2025. Also present were Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Desiderio R. Apag III, CHED Region III Director Lora L. Yusi, other SUC III Presidents, and their respective CIRPS technical staff. As the current chair of DC-SUC III, which is the equivalent of the PASUC regional association in Central Luzon, President Abella presided over the meeting. During this gathering, the presidents discussed several key topics, including proposed international education summits, professional development programs for member institutions, international quality assurance for curricular programs, and the upcoming SUC Fair 2025 which will be spearheaded by Region 3 SUCs. In support of these initiatives, Director Yusi pledged the support of CHED in terms of funding and logistical support to these activities while Commissioner Apag lauded the SUCs in the region for performing very well and for having a collaborative relationship among the institutions. Prior the meeting, Dr. Abella attended the turnover ceremony of the Culture and Arts Association of State Universities and Colleges in the region. He then proceeded to the opening of the State Colleges and Universities Faculty Association of Region III (SCUFAR) Regional Games, hosted by Aurora State College of Technology.

May. 28, 2025

CEd Dean receives UNIFFIED Int’l Award for Excellent Service

Dr. Florante P. Ibarra, College of Education (CEd) Dean, received the prestigious 2025 United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc. (UNIFFIED) Excellence in Service International Award—Most Outstanding Filipino Achiever on May 25, 2025, in New York City, USA. This award recognizes his remarkable commitment to academic and research excellence and exceptional public service. A diverse team of regional education leaders from U.S. Chapters including New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Queens organized the 2025 UNIFFIED International Summit Gala and Awards Ceremony, themed “Breaking Boundaries, Leading Change, Innovative Solutions.” The event, which was staged from May 22 to 25, 2025 at the Marriott New York City LaGuardia Airport, aims to acknowledge Filipino educators who have consistently dedicated themselves to their profession, demonstrating outstanding leadership, research, creativity, and innovative ideas that transform the academic environment and inspire both their peers and future generations. This recognition exemplifies CLSU’s commitment to academic excellence and leadership and its initiatives to support educators and communities in nurturing a culture of excellence. #SievingForExcellence #QualityEducation #LifelongLearning

May. 26, 2025

CLSU ROTC Unit Impresses with 99 percent Overall Score; Women Cadets Dominate the troops

After months of rigorous training and dedication, the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Unit celebrated a significant achievement today, May 26, as they earned an outstanding overall score of 99.03% during the highly anticipated Regional Annual Administrative and Tactical Inspection (RAATI). The CLSU ROTC Unit, led by Asst. Prof. Zorille Dela Cruz was composed of 313 females and 254 males, demonstrating the strong presence of women in the troops. They showcased mastery of skills in all evaluated categories including marching drills, basic life support, and the execution of tactical maneuvers. This year’s evaluation team, headed by Col. George M. Bergonia, assessed the capability of the cadets to lead with discipline, proficiency, and readiness to serve. University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella expressed his full support to the students encouraging them to do their best in representing the university. “Alam ko ang mga sakripisyo ninyo… Kaya sa inyong mga Cadet at sa lahat ng bumubuo ng ROTC Unit, ako po ay proud sa inyo… Yung nanjan lang kayo at nasa harapan namin ngayon, kayo para sa akin ay panalo na,” said President Abella. He further boosted their morale during the closing program, as he congratulated the students for the sweet success that comes from their hard work saying “Mas matamis ang tagumpay kung pinaghihirapan.” This near-perfect score solidifies the University’s position as one of the leading ROTC units in Central Luzon, underscoring the exceptional caliber of its cadets and the effectiveness of its training program. RAATI is a comprehensive annual evaluation meticulously conducted by the Philippine Army which serves as the final test for ROTC units across the region. #RAATI #SievingForExcellence

May. 26, 2025

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