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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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CBA Students Clinch 3rd Runner-up with Agri Advocacy Project in ASEAN Future Sustainable Leaders Competition 2025

Students from the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) clinched 3rd Runner-Up in the ASEAN Future Sustainable Leaders Competition (AFSLC) with their project “Pamanang Tumana: A Farmer’s Legacy.” The national-level contest, held on October 4, 2025, brought together accounting students from across the Philippines to present innovative, multidisciplinary solutions to challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Anchored on the theme “Empowering ASEAN Youth for Sustainable Development Goals,” the team’s video highlighted the growing disinterest of youth in agriculture — an issue that threatens the nation’s future food security. As a solution, they featured the CLSU’s Precision and Digital Agriculture Center (PreDiCt), aiming to shift young people’s preconceived negative views about farming through technology and innovation. Competing against 48 official entries and a total of 192 student participants, the team was composed of accounting students namely Joseph Scott I. Bundoc, Shaina Glyssa Castillo, Patrick Enoza, and Tristan Jay P. Nening, under the mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Winnie DC. Villanueva, Asst. Prof. Harold Vincent DJ. Vidaira, and Ms. Via Shane R. Santiago. In addition to securing a podium finish, the team also garnered two special awards that highlighted both their creativity and online presence: Best Video Entry, which recognized the quality and impact of their multimedia presentation, and 3rd Place in Facebook Engagement, awarded for their ability to effectively reach and engage a wide audience. Another team from CLSU also competed in the event with their video project titled “SINEKVAT,” which focused on preserving and sustaining the culture of the Bugkalot indigenous community in Nueva Vizcaya. Their work explored how modern technology can help revive and integrate traditional heritage into the present. This team successfully placed in the Top 18 of the competition. The AFSLC was organized by the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Committee on Faculty Development and Research, in partnership with KPMG Philippines and RG Manabat & Co., CPAs, to cultivate socially responsible and innovative young leaders in the accounting field across the ASEAN region.

Oct. 14, 2025

CLSU Stays on Track for THE World University Ranking

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) has once again been recognized with "Reporter status" in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings (WUR) 2026. This marks CLSU's third consecutive year of inclusion, demonstrating sustained progress. The university is strategically focused on moving beyond "Reporter status" to qualify for a full ranking. With the establishment of a new office dedicated to Scopus publication, the university aims to significantly increase its published research. This strategic move will amplify CLSU's scholarly impact and accelerate its path toward becoming a fully ranked global institution. #SievingForExcellence

Oct. 10, 2025

New FAI President Sworn in as Faculty Regent

Assoc. Prof. Joerge M. Dela Cruz, the newly elected President of the Faculty Association (FAI), officially took his oath of office as the new Faculty Regent of the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) Board of Regents (BOR) on October 9, 2025, during the regular BOR meeting at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Central Office, Quezon City. As Faculty Regent, Assoc. Prof. Dela Cruz will represent the Association and participate in BOR deliberations. He will also provide the board with firsthand insights into academic issues and faculty challenges. His appointment signifies his acceptance of these responsibilities, with a commitment to promoting faculty welfare supported by his officers and colleagues. Meanwhile, here is the full list of current members of the CLSU BOR: Chair – Hon. Desiderio R. Apag III – Commissioner, Commission on Higher Education Vice Chair – Hon. Evaristo A. Abella – CLSU President Members: Hon. Lorenzo Legarda – Chair, Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education Hon. Jude Acidre – Chair, House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Hon. Julius Caesar V. Sicat – Regional Director, Department of Science and Technology Hon. Eduardo L. Lapuz Jr. – OIC – Regional Director, Department of Agriculture Hon. Nerissa T. Esguerra – Regional Director, Economy, Planning, and Development Hon. Reiner B. Andres – Private Sector Representative Hon. Danilo S. Vargas – Alumni Representative Hon. Aljone V. Viterbo – Student Representative Hon. Jeorge M. Dela Cruz – Faculty Representative

Oct. 10, 2025

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