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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

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Silver Lining along the Railways: The Story of an Optimistic Statistician

Jul. 12, 2023

Stratcom | SCO

"It doesn't matter how tough the goal is, as long as you are persistent enough to learn, you’ll achieve that impossible goal." This is the personal mantra of Gerome B. Jacinto, a BS Statistics student of Central Luzon State University (CLSU), who will lead the graduating class of 2023 during the 71st Annual Commencement Exercises on July 14 as Summa Cum Laude - the highest academic honor. Being born and raised in an abandoned comfort room of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) in Talavera, Nueva Ecija, Mr. Jacinto learned to be consistent and optimistic as he always sees the bright future ahead of him despite the limitations surrounding him. "Akala ko talaga nung bata ako mayaman kami, kasi yung pader namin naka tiles pero yung sahig sementado lang, walang tiles. Yun pala ang bahay namin ay banyo ng PNR noong araw," Jacinto narrated. For his family to make ends meet, his father, Mr. Roberto Andaya Jacinto, tried several jobs to sustain their household needs while his mother, Ms. Eleanor Bernabe Jacinto, at the age of 27 decided to leave the country and work abroad to finance his studies and his sibling. "Malaki yung pasasalamat ko sa kanila, kasi nung pinanganak nila ako 23 years old lang sila parehas noon at marami pa sana silang pwede makamit at magawa sa edad na yun. At alam ko nung ipininanganak ako, sinakripisyo nila yung mga pangarap nila para sa akin. Kaya sabi ko, gagalingan ko at papatunayan ko sa kanila na hindi masasayang yung mga paghihirap nila Mama at Papa." Seeing the sacrifices and hard work of his parents, Gerome made it a goal to help his family in every way he can. Despite his academic achievement, his attempt to apply for a scholarship was denied, nevertheless, Gerome always looked for the silver lining in every situation. He used this as his motivation to excel in his studies, leading him to earn flat one grades in almost all of his subjects." "By continuously doing good things, opportunities will arise, hindi man agad-agad but it will, and true enough, dahil saking magandang academic performance during my 1st and 2nd year, nakapag-qualify na ako sa DOST Scholarship nung mag 3rd year ako." Jacinto added. With his consistent grades, he obtained the highest GPA of 1.05 and will be awarded as Summa Cum Laude, but despite being the valedictorian of his batch, he believes that it's not just pure intelligence but his grit, positivity, and perseverance that made him accomplish this difficult colossal academic feat. Hardships always happen to us but if we can keep looking at the bright side of every situation like Gerome who always stays optimistic even in the hardest situation, consistency in our actions will make us limitless.

Other Stories

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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