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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.

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  • 4

    Goal 4: Quality Education

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    Goal 14: Life Below Water

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    Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals

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CLSU Joins PASCN for Collaboration and AI Discussions

Central Luzon State University (CLSU), as an active member of the Philippine APEC Study Center Network (PASCN) participated in its General Assembly on June 11, 2025, at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City. Dr. Karenina B. Romualdo, Vice President for Business Affairs, represented CLSU and proudly presented the university's significant contributions through programs like the Techno Village Development Program, Ambulant Vending Program, and RICE-UP. Notably, as the sole woman leader in the assembly, Dr. Romualdo's presence underscored CLSU's commitment to inclusive leadership. Prior to the assembly, participants also attended the symposium titled "AI for a Sustainable Tomorrow: Policy Innovations for APEC and the Philippines” which co-organized by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS)-PASCN and the University of the Philippines System, the symposium delved into leveraging Artificial Intelligence for green development, smart governance, and innovative policies across the Philippines and APEC economies. Alongside Dr. Romualdo, the General Assembly brought together various PASCN member institutions, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. Attendees included representatives from esteemed universities which include Mr. Christopher Ed C. Caboverde (Asian Institute of Management), Dr. Geoffrey M. Ducanes (Ateneo de Manila University), Dr. Lawrence B. Dacuycuy (De La Salle University), Mr. Josemari Janathiel Borla (Foreign Service Institute), Dr. Aniceto C. Orbeta Jr. (Outgoing President, Philippine Institute for Development Studies), Dr. Philip Arnold P. Tuaño (Incoming President, Philippine Institute for Development Studies), Dr. Francis Mark A. Quimba (Project Director, Philippine APEC Study Center Network), Assistant Professor Rene Rafael B. Juntereal (Silliman University), Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez (President, University of the Philippines), Dr. Percival F. Almoro (Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs [Research], University of the Philippines), Dr. Francisco Cid L. Terosa (University of Asia and the Pacific), Dr. Julius P. Relampagos (University of San Carlos) and Prof. Jhon Louie B. Sabal (Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan). #SievingForExcellence

Jun. 16, 2025

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

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.

Jun. 16, 2025

2 CEd Faculty Headline Seminar-Workshop on Strengthening English Language in Thailand

Two faculty from the College of Education (CEd) were featured speakers at an international seminar-workshop aimed at strengthening English language instruction held at Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS), Thailand on May 29–30, 2025, bringing together educators in different disciplines and language specialists. The two-day event, hosted by RUTS Songhkla Campus, provided university-level English instructors with fresh perspectives, innovative models, and effective teaching strategies in the use of technology designed to meet the evolving demands of English Language Education in Thailand. One of the highlights of the seminar workshop was the presentation of teaching models by CED faculty members - Dr. Myla L. Santos and Dr. Rolando D. Dollete. With over three decades of experience in curriculum design and teacher training, they both shared actionable insights on using more English in the classroom and teaching methods with digital tools to create more engaging and student-centered learning environments. The event featured panel discussions and collaborative activities on task-based learning, assessment in multilingual classrooms, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in language education. “This workshop was not just about teaching English—it was about transforming classrooms into spaces where students actively use the English language to explore, express, and connect,” said Dr. Panumas Suybangdum, RUTS Vice President during the opening program. Dr. Somporn Chunaowarat, Director of the RUTS Language Center, in turn, emphasized the seminar’s role in professional development stating “This event equips our instructors with innovative and practical tools to elevate their teaching in English and, ultimately, their students' success. The seminar concluded with micro demonstration teaching sessions where participants shared on the challenges of English language teaching in Thailand and proposed actionable solutions for the future. Finally, Dr. Boonyarit Omanee, Dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts extends his hopes that CLSU will send teaching interns this Academic Year to RUTS Campuses as part of the MOU between CLSU and RUTS. Meanwhile, Dr. Florante P. Ibarra, CEd Dean, who spearheaded the arrangements of the concluded seminar, agreed with the request and proposal for faculty research exchange programs as well, further strengthening the internationalization initiatives of the College and the University. #SievingForExcellence

Jun. 13, 2025

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