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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

NAST Names Dr. Garry A. Benico as 2025 Outstanding Young Scientist for Pioneering Aquatic Bioscience Research

Jun. 16, 2025

StratCom | SCO

Dr. Garry A. Benico, a Professor at the Department of Biological Sciences, has been named one of the recipients of the prestigious 2025 Outstanding Young Scientist (OYS) Award by the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL). Awarded in the field of Aquatic Bioscience, Dr. Benico is widely recognized for his expertise in the taxonomy and systematics of microalgae, particularly harmful marine dinoflagellates that pose significant risks to food safety, aquaculture, and coastal ecosystems. Dr. Benico holds the distinction of being the first Filipino scientist to formally describe new species of dinoflagellates from Philippine waters, with three marine microalgae now officially recognized: Karlodinium azanzae, Heterocapsa philippinensis, and Scrippsiella luzonensis (italicized). These discoveries highlight the Philippines? rich yet underexplored microalgal biodiversity. Notably, several of these species are toxic or fish-killing, and Dr. Benico?s research plays a critical role in enhancing the monitoring, prediction, and management of harmful algal blooms (HABs) that threaten both public health and the fisheries industry. As the founding head of the CLSU?Algal Diversity and Bioresources Laboratory (ADB Lab), Dr. Benico has built a thriving hub for algal research and capacity building in Central and Northern Luzon, mentoring future phycologists and supporting collaborative research at the national and international level.

Other Stories

CLSU Educators Present Landmark Studies on Teaching and Leadership at National RITE NOW Webinar

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) solidified its position as a driver of educational policy and practice as faculty researchers from the College of Education (CEd) and Institute of Graduate Studies (IGS) presented landmark research findings at the national Research Initiatives in Teacher Education (RITE) Network of Webinars (NOW) on October 28. The featured session highlighted the project "Identifying Exemplary Practices of Teachers and Educational Leaders," led by Dr. Regidor G. Gaboy alongside a distinguished panel of CLSU educators and researchers. The presentation emphasized research-backed solutions to optimize teacher preparation, professional learning pathways, and educational leadership development across four distinct areas of study. In the first study, Dr. Abigail P. Simbre explored the traits of standout educators through stakeholder narratives in "The Anatomy of Distinguished Teachers." Building on administrative perspectives, Dr. Mark Gill M. Mercado presented the second study, which examined effective management strategies in "Identifying Best Practices of School Heads." Shifting the focus to higher-level guidance, Dr. Ma. Ruby Hiyasmin M. Delos Santos led the third study on "Defining Excellence in Leadership" by identifying key qualities of exemplary supervisors. Finally, Dr. Joel M. Torres presented the fourth study, titled "Who Could Mentor Teachers?", which examined the essential characteristics and strategies of top teacher-educators. Through their active participation in the RITE NOW platform, CEd and IGS faculty members continue to demonstrate academic rigor and leadership in national teacher education reform, curriculum alignment, and policymaking. The national RITE Project is implemented by the Philippine Normal University (PNU) and funded by the Teacher Education Council (TEC).

Oct. 29, 2026

CLSU Secures 100% CHED Program Compliance Milestone

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) has achieved 100% compliance with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) requirements across all undergraduate and graduate degree offerings. This milestone was reached after CHED issued COPCs for the university's final three pending programs: the Master of Science in Education major in Home Economics, Educational Management, and Mathematics. With this full attainment, every academic program at CLSU strictly adheres to CHED’s Policies, Standards, and Guidelines (PSGs). This success highlights the collective effort across all programs to elevate our quality standards and align our academic offerings with national benchmarks. At its core, this milestone reinforces public trust in CLSU while ensuring students receive a high-quality education that directly responds to the evolving demands of industry and society. #SievingForExcellence

Oct. 29, 2026

CLSU Demonstrates Excellence with Above-National Performance in Chemistry Licensure Exams

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) maintained its outstanding performance in the recent Chemist and Chemical Technician Licensure Examinations, surpassing national benchmarks across both examinations. In the Chemical Technician Licensure Examination, the University posted a 96.15% passing rate among first-time takers and a 100% success rate among re-examiners, totaling 27 successful examinees. This yielded an overall institutional passing rate of 96.43%, significantly outperforming the national passing rate of 76.48%. Similarly, in the Chemist Computer-Based Licensure Examination, CLSU achieved an 86.67% passing rate for first-time examinees and 83.33% for re-examiners. This resulted in an overall institutional passing rate of 85.71% with 18 successful passers, thereby exceeding the national passing rate of 76.48%. These strong results reflect CLSU's continued dedication to academic quality and strong instruction in the chemical sciences.

Oct. 20, 2026

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