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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

PhD Student from University of Virginia Immerses in Filipino Language and Culture Program

Jul. 26, 2024

Zorille Villaflores | CASS

The International Filipino Language and Culture Program implemented by the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) in collaboration with the International Affairs Office concluded the month-long immersive program participated by Robert Sanchis Alvarez, a PhD student from the University of Virginia, USA from June 10 to July 12, 2024. The program featured the rich tapestry of Filipino language and culture including intensive Filipino language lessons focusing on both speaking and grammar to ensure a robust linguistic foundation, and a series of cultural immersions which provided a first-hand understanding of Filipino traditions and ways of life. Traditional religious practices and beliefs were also included in the program where Alvarez witnessed the “Taong Putik” Festival, a unique and visually striking event that celebrates faith and tradition in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija. He also visited historical and cultural sites in Baler, Aurora, known for its beautiful beaches and historical significance, and the “Little Vigan” in Gapan, Nueva Ecija, a place that echoes the colonial past of the Philippines with its preserved architecture. Meanwhile, family immersion activities allowed Alvarez to experience everyday Filipino life, enhancing his understanding of familial and social structures. He also engaged in rice planting, a vital part of Filipino agriculture, and participated in a boodle fight, a traditional way of eating where food is served on banana leaves and eaten with hands, fostering camaraderie and a sense of community. Karaoke sessions added a fun and lively aspect to the immersion, as singing is a beloved pastime among Filipinos. On the other hand, Alvarez also contributed academically by delivering a lecture to some CASS students and faculty members on "Transnational Narratives in 19th Century Luzon." His lecture shed light on the intricate historical connections and narratives that have shaped the region, sparking engaging discussions and further enriching the academic environment of the program. The International Filipino Language and Culture Program led by its Program Manager, Assoc. Prof. Karryl Angelie Abon-Amis, aims to bridge linguistic and cultural gaps, fostering a deeper appreciation of history and the power of cultural exchange in building global connections and understanding.

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NAP, CLSU Hold Seminar Workshop on Basic Records and Archive Mgmt

The National Archives of the Philippines (NAP), in partnership with Central Luzon State University (CLSU), initiated a two-day seminar workshop on the importance of Basic Records and Archive Management (BARM) in government offices across the province. It was held on April 23-24, 2025 at the OVPAA Amphitheater in CLSU. The seminar on BARM informed the different agencies' record keepers on the overview of the Records and Archives Management Program (RAMP), including records maintenance, security, and preservation of records, among others. Senior Records Management Analyst, Ms. Ehxia R. Dondonilla, Senior Archivist, Ms. Cheryl B. Alvares, Training Specialist, Mr. Gerald F. Requesto, and Chief, Training and Information Division, Ms. Gina M. Papa from NAP served as the resource persons who shared their knowledge and experiences, as well as the techniques in Basic Records and Archive Management. Vice President for Administration Dr. Ariel G. Mactal conveyed his sincere appreciation to the NAP for their presence and unwavering dedication to enhancing records management across all government agencies within our province. He emphasized that the seminar workshop transcends more than the technical skills and management systems as it concerns the preservation of collective history. “Each document must be safeguarded, every record properly filed, and each archive preserved contributes to the broader narrative of our province, our institution, and our nation. These are not merely papers; they embody the story of our identity,” said Dr. Mactal. The event was attended by representatives from state universities and colleges (SUCs), including CLSU and NEUST; attached agencies from the Department of Agriculture such as the Philippine Rice Research Institute, Philippine Carabao Center, and Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization; Local government units (LGUs) from Talavera, General Natividad, Bongabon, Carranglan, Aliaga, Cuyapo, Science City of Muñoz, General Tinio, Palayan; other institutions such as Civil Service Commission Field Office in Nueva Ecija, Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center in Cabanatuan, Talavera General Hospital, and Palayan City Hospital.

Apr. 29, 2025

CLSU, TAO Foods Company Sign Agreement to Commercialize PhilSCAT-bred Rice Varieties

University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, together with Mr. Julio D. Sy, Jr., Owner of the TAO Foods Company Inc. (TFCI), signed a new licensing agreement to commercialize four new hybrid rice varieties bred by experts from the Philippine-Sino Center for Agricultural Technology (PhilSCAT). The ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) took place during the North Luzon Innovation and Technology Transfer Summit 2025, held on April 23-24 in Baguio City. This event, hosted by the Department of Science and Technology-Cordillera Autonomous Region, attracted innovators, technology adopters, and higher education institutions from the region, as well as from Regions 1, 2, and 3. The agreement provided the TFCI the right to commercialize the Hybrid Rice Mestizo 125, 126, 127, and 128 for a period of 6 years. In return, CLSU as the owner of these varieties, will receive royalty fees from this agreement that will later on benefit the ongoing and future research activities of the university. Director Dr. Julius Cesar Sicat from DOST R3 expressed his support to this initiative by gracing the event, along with CLSU faculty member Dr. Jerwin Undan, who served as a witness during the MOA signing.

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CLSU Climbs to 16th Spot Nationally in AD Scientific Index 2025; Highlights Strong Researcher Presence

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) is making significant strides towards its goal of being recognized as a world-class National Research University. According to the latest Alper-Doger Scientific Index (AD Index), CLSU has risen to 16th place among 388 institutions in the Philippines, up from its previous position of 19th. This ranking assessed the scientific performance and productivity of universities and R&D institutions as well as its researchers, and it includes a notable representation of 221 CLSU scholars. Dr. Elmar M. Villota leads the group with the highest H-index, followed by Dr. Hazel Monica M. Peralta, Dr. Wendy C. Mateo, Dr. Rich Milton R. Dulay, and Dr. Sofronio P. Kalaw. With its dedication to research excellence, CLSU maintains its strong standing among public universities in the Philippines, ranking 7th in H-index value and 10th in citation count.

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