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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

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PRESIDENT AND COO OF FIRST PHILIPPINE HOLDINGS CORPORATION ADDRESSES MID-YEAR GRADUATES

Dec. 10, 2021

PAO | PAO

Mr. Francis Giles B. Puno, president and chief operating officer (COO) of the First Philippine Holdings Corporation (FPH), one of the largest industrial conglomerates in the Philippines focused on power, real estate, construction services, and manufacturing and is part of the Lopez Group of Companies, is the guest of honor and speaker on the 26th Mid-year Commencement Exercises of CLSU on February 10, 2017. He addresses 444 graduating students. Mr. Puno is also concurrently the president and COO of First Gen Corporation (First Gen), one of the country’s largest independent electric power producers, that focuses entirely on clean and renewable sources of electricity. First Gen is the power generation subsidiary of FPH. President and COO Puno or simply “Giles” to his colleagues and friends was unanimously chosen to address the mid-year graduates by the CLSU Academic Council chaired by Dr. Tereso A. Abella, CLSU President. Mr. Puno is looked up to by the graduates as a source of inspiration as he is expected to share with them his and his corporation’s work and management-related practices and ethics, endeavours, advocacies, and successes that relate to the theme of the Commencement Exercises, “Enhancing Education Through Quality Management Systems.” Mr. Puno sits as a board director of FPH, First Gen and Energy Development Corporation (EDC). He joined FPH in 1997 and was assigned to First Gen as its Chief Financial Officer to lead its $1.4 billion fund raising of the 1,500 MW Santa Rita and San Lorenzo gas-fired power plants. He also advised and arranged the financing of First Gen’s P58.5 billion acquisition of a controlling stake in geothermal operator Energy Development Corporation (EDC) in 2007. Giles previously worked as the Vice President for the Global Power Group in Singapore and Hongkong of the Chase Manhattan Bank from 1990 to 1997. COO Puno completed his Master of Management degree from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management in 1990 and his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1985. Meanwhile, the speaker in the Baccalaureate Services held last February 9 was Fr. Cesar C. Vergara, Parish Priest, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Guimba, Nueva Ecija.

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Officials from the Department of Budget and Management Region III (DBM) visited Central Luzon State University to conduct a Full-Time Delivery Unit (FDU) Validation and site inspection on August 26, 2026. The visit aimed to evaluate and monitor the university's financial and physical performance, address administrative bottlenecks, and inspect ongoing projects around the campus. Led by Chief Budget and Management Specialist II, Ms. Adoracion Q. Mangalino, the DBM delegates inspected key project sites, including the new dormitories built on the former old market, the newly renovated university library, and various completed infrastructure projects around the university. After the inspection, the group convened for the University President's report, which highlighted achievements in academic standing, global rankings, research, and extension, followed by the FDU assessment proper. Key officials present in the meeting were Vice President for Administration, Dr. Ariel G. Mactal, Vice President for Research and Extension, Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz, Vice President for Business Affairs, Dr. Karenina B. Romualdo, Director of Financial Management Services Office, Ms. Jinky Parugrug, Director of Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Management Office, Mr. Ryan Esteban to provide insight into their respective areas. The joint visit concluded with a strong reaffirmation of the university's commitment to delivering high-impact projects that meet DBM standards.

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CLSU Launches ‘Sidlan’ Community Pantry to Support Students

Embodying the Filipino spirit of bayanihan, the Laban sa Ipinagbabawal na Gamot, Tulay na Agapay sa Sielesyuans at Sambayanan (LIGTAS-CLSU), a non-college-based student organization, in partnership with the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) headed by Dean Irene Bustos, officially launched its community pantry today, August 26 at the OSA tambayan. Dubbed “Sidlan: Ang Pantry ng Sielesyuans,” the event was first conceptualized two years ago through the collective contributions and support of the university community. Guided by the principle “Kumuha ayon sa pangangailangan, magbigay ayon sa kakayahan,” the pantry will operate daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM for all CLSU students. During the opening ceremony, LIGTAS-CLSU President Jovan Clay Evangelista emphasized the project's community-driven mission. "Ito ang Sidlan, ang pantry ng Sielesyuan, isang proyekto mula sa komunidad, para sa komunidad,” Mr. Evangelista said. University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella commended the organizers for initiating a program aimed at directly assisting fellow students. "Alam naman natin na hindi pantay-pantay ang kakayahan ng bawat estudyante dito sa ating campus, kaya from time to time ay maglalagay din tayo dito upang matulungan ang ibang estudyante,” Pres. Abella stated, assuring continued institutional and personal support for the project. To embody the spirit of the community pantry, Dr. Abella brought with him essential groceries and sacks of rice to share with the community. The organization continues to welcome donations of food and essential goods from the CLSU Community and the public, while encouraging all Sielesyuans, especially those facing financial hardship, to take what they need from the pantry. #SievingForExcellence

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Former Student Regent Viterbo is Among the Region’s Top Outstanding Students, Completes DAP’s BAGANI Program

Ms. Aljone V. Viterbo, former Student Regent of Central Luzon State University (CLSU), has been recognized as a top finalist in the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) program for Central Luzon, affirming her commitment to academic excellence and passion for public service. Prior to this, she also completed the pioneering program of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) for the youth dubbed as BAGANI: Rising Leaders Development Program. Ms. Viterbo, who graduated magna cum laude, served as the Chairperson of the University Supreme Student Council (USSC) and as Student Regent for academic year 2025-2026. Her TOSP selection reflects both her academic performance and her eight-year record of sustained involvement in community outreach and volunteer initiatives. “Hindi ko po ito itinuturing na aking tagumpay lamang. Tulad ng lagi kong sinasabi, hindi ko magagawa ang lahat ng ito kung hindi dahil sa mga taong aking pinaglilingkuran at nakasama sa paglilingkod, pag-aaral, at pagkatuto,” Ms. Viterbo shared. Highlighting her deep commitment to public service and community development, she shared, “Ang lahat ng ito ay upang patuloy akong makapagbigay ng serbisyo para sa ikabubuti ng ating komunidad.” The regional selection process was organized by the TOSP Region 3 Alumni Community of Heroes (TOSP-R3ACH). The program provides a platform for student leaders across the region to strengthen leadership capabilities, reinforce core values, and advance social development initiatives. Meanwhile, before receiving the TOSP accolade, Ms. Viterbo completed the BAGANI Program of the DAP, which aims to equip emerging leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to develop and implement sustainable community-based initiatives. Held from June 13 to July 11, 2026, the program selected only 56 fellows from more than 2,000 applicants nationwide, making Ms. Viterbo one of the distinguished BAGANI fellows who successfully underwent the highly competitive selection process. After completing the BAGANI Program, Ms. Viterbo shared a profound realization about the value of public service, saying, “Serving the people is a privilege. The Philippines and the Filipino people are worth fighting for. Kahit magulo at basag ang bansa natin ngayon, may pag-asa pa rin, at puwede iyong magsimula sa atin.” With this, the University extends its congratulations to Ms. Viterbo on this achievement and her continued success. May your efforts continue to inspire the student body and future leaders of our country.

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