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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.

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CLSU Climbs to 118th in WURI 2025 Global Rankings

Central Luzon State University has achieved a remarkable feat in the latest World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2025, soaring 17 places to secure the 118th spot globally among 400 prestigious universities. This significant advancement from last year's 135th position underscores CLSU's unwavering commitment to pioneering impactful projects that directly contribute to national development. CLSU secured spots in three key categories, namely: Ranked 5th in the Funding for Sustainability Category with the project titled “FARM-ER POWER: Sowing Innovation, Harvesting Sustainability,” highlighting the university's innovative strategies to secure financial resources by diversifying funding streams and adopting new methods through its Business Affairs Program (UBAP). Ranked 5th in the Cost-Benefit Management Category titled “Rice Up: Growing Grains, Greater Gains,” a "seed-to-seed" and "seed-to-table" model project also implemented by UBAP. The project ensures the entire rice cycle, from planting to distribution, fostering economic and social benefits for CLSU through providing affordable rice to students, faculty, and the local community. Ranked 23rd in SDG-Based Responses to Global Challenges Category with the initiative titled “Goats for Global Goal: Small Ruminant Center Championing Sustainable Development,” a project led by the Small Ruminant Center which aims to enhance farmers' socio-economic status by improving small ruminant genetics, adopting sustainable feed and disease control practices, and promoting the development of superior goat and sheep products. It also provides farmers with practical training and access to new small ruminant technologies. Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, University President, expressed his deep appreciation for the ongoing commitment of faculty and staff. He highlighted their crucial role in spearheading projects that consistently advance the university's meaningful impact on the community. #SievingForExcellence

Jul. 10, 2025

Pres. Abella Leads Region 3 in 2025 PASUC Convention

As an active chair of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Region 3, University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella led the Region 3 delegation in the 2025 PASUC Midterm Convention and General Assembly today, July 9 at the SMX Convention Center Manila. The convention, anchored on the theme “Forging the Future: Empowering SUCs through Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence,” features lectures and discussions on SUC Governance, human capital development, sustainability, and global competitiveness, among other topics. President Abella emphasized the importance of attending such an event, as this opens the door for collaboration and ideas among SUC leaders, highlighting their shared commitment to elevating the standard of higher education in the Philippines. Joining him in the event were Ms. Jinky A. Parugrug, Director of Financial Management Services; Ms. Clarissa R. Valeriano, Chief of Budget Office; Mr. Ronnie Gutierrez, Chief of Procurement Office; and Mr. Ryan Esteban, Chief of Planning and Development Office. Prominent individuals attending the event were the Hon. Shirley C. Agrupis, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education, and the Hon. Amenah F. Pangandaman, Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management. #SievingForExcellence

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Sen. Kiko Pangilinan Headlines USSC Leadership Seminar, Inspires CLSU Students

Newly-elected Senator Francis “Kiko” N. Pangilinan headlined the leadership seminar titled "SEKDER: Steering Excellence through Knowledge, Development, and Empowered Rights," hosted by the University Supreme Student Council (USSC). The event aimed to inspire and equip student leaders was held today, July 9 at the CLSU Auditorium as part of the three-day SIKAD event. Dr. Ariel G. Mactal, Vice President for Administration, representing University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, kicked off the program with a powerful welcome message, urging students to embrace the challenge of leadership and deepen their purpose. “Today’s seminar is an opportunity to depend on your sense of purpose, not just as students but as leaders of action in your communities. As you sharpen your knowledge, explore your rights, and embrace your calling to lead, remember that leadership is not about position; it is about responsibility. Leadership is not about titles, it is about courage to serve, heart to listen, and will to act, especially when it is not easy. And it starts right here, right now,” Dr. Mactal expressed. The event highlight was the message delivered by Senator Pangilinan, who addressed the challenges facing the Philippine agriculture sector. He also expressed his hope that the students, as the younger generation, would be instrumental in bringing about positive change in the country, particularly within agriculture, stating, “Kabataan, kayo ang mitsa ng pagbabago.” The seminar also featured insights from notable young leaders, including Mr. Junior M. Pacol, a faculty member from the Department of Filipino, College of Arts and Social Sciences. Drawing from his own experiences as a student leader, Mr. Pacol prompted attendees to consider giving back through serving their community and finding their passion. Furthermore, also served as a guest speaker was Ms. Kim Modelo, Vice President for the National Union of Students of the Philippines, who shared about student power and youth activism. The event also included a prerecorded video message from Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino, who delivered an encouraging message to the CLSU students. #SievingForExcellence

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