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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

FAC, CF Hold Workshop on In-pond Raceway Systems

The Central Luzon State University (CLSU), through the Freshwater Aquaculture Center (FAC) and College of Fisheries (CF), spearheaded a workshop about the In-pond Raceway Systems (IPRS) today, July 16, 2025, at the OVPAA Amphitheater. The workshop also collaborated with the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), which aims to provide an in-depth understanding of In-Pond Raceway Systems (IPRS) and their potential impact on local aquaculture. In her opening remarks, Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco, Vice President for Academic Affairs Program, conveyed her appreciation to the USSEC for their efforts in sharing their time and expertise for sustainable aquaculture. She also emphasized that the collaboration isn’t just about the academic initiatives, but also has greater benefits. “This collaboration between USSEC and CLSU through our Freshwater Aquaculture Center and the College of Fisheries is more than an academic initiative; it is a manifestation of the university’s ongoing mission to develop globally competitive, socially-responsible, and work-ready graduates, future leaders who are not only equipped with knowledge but also empowered to address global challenges,” Dr. Velasco said. Moreover, Dr. Ernesto J. Morales, Philippine Aquaculture Technical Manager of USSEC provided an overview of the USSEC and introduced the keynote speakers: Mr. Philip Sharples Kemp Jr., IPRS Consultant, Mr. Zhou Enhua, IPRS Lead, Mr. Hsiang Pin Lan, Marine Specialist, and Mr. Bui Ngoc Thanh, Vietnam Aquaculture Technical Manager. They shared their knowledge and experiences in In-pond Raceway Systems. Gracing the events are key officials of the university including Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz, Vice President for Research and Extension, and Dr. Tereso A. Abella, CLSU's Former President and Professor Emeritus at the CF. Over 120 participants from government agencies, private sectors, CLSU Faculty, Staff, and students attended in person, with additional students joining via Zoom.

Jul. 17, 2025

CLSU Marks 1990 Luzon Quake Anniversary with University-Wide Earthquake Drill

The Central Luzon State University (CLSU) through the University Disaster Risk Reduction Management Committee (UDRRMC) and Institute for Climate Change and Environmental Management (ICCEM) conducted a comprehensive university-wide earthquake drill on July 16, 2025, marking the 35th anniversary of the devastating 1990 Luzon Earthquake. CLSU's emergency response teams, including university security, medical personnel, and trained student volunteers, were at the forefront. They meticulously assessed simulated "damage," provided immediate "first aid" to participants acting as casualties, and managed the flow of evacuees. The 1990 Luzon Earthquake, a catastrophic event that struck on July 16, 1990, caused widespread destruction and loss of life across Central Luzon. Its memory continues to serve as a powerful motivation for enhanced disaster preparedness efforts in the Philippines. Through the said event, the university was able to honor and remember those who lost their lives, test disaster preparedness protocols, enhance emergency response capabilities, and instill a culture of safety among students, faculty, and staff.

Jul. 17, 2025

CLSU Exceeds National Passing Rate with Strong 59% Performance in MPLE

Central Luzon State University (CLSU), through the College of Engineering (CEn), has demonstrated strong performance in the recent Master Plumber Licensure Examination (MPLE), achieving an institutional passing rate of 59.09% higher than the national passing rate of 57.79%, highlighting the effectiveness of the program offered by the College. A total of 26 CLSU examinees are now licensed Master Plumbers, a testament to their dedication and the comprehensive training they received. Notably, first-time takers from showcased exceptional readiness, achieving a remarkable 70% passing rate. LIST OF PASSERS 1. AGUILAR, JOHN CARLO VENGAZO 2. AGUSTIN, HANAH SAGMAN 3. ALAWANG, PHYLLIS PATRICIA ROMBO 4. BARANGAS, MHICAGAIL AZUELO 5. BASCOS, JONATHAN BELMORO 6. CALDERON, GIAN CARLO GUIANG 7. CAPARROS, LHIAN CANILLO 8. CATABONA, JOANA MARIE DEL PILAR 9. CATALON, FREDDIERICK RAMOS 10. CRISTAL, CRISPIN GIO III RIVO 11. DELA CRUZ, JOEM-ANGELO REYES 12. DELA CRUZ, MANUEL JR. MITRA 13. EK, JENNICA REÑON 14. ESTEBAN, JIZEL MACARUBBO 15. GLORIOSO, JHON MATHEW PAHIMNA 16. LANUZA, MARY JOY MAPALO 17. MAGBUAL, OSCAR JR. STA. ANA 18. MALLARE, DONITA BARAYUGA 19. MALONG, RONNEL PANEDA 20. NORTEZ, CLYDE ALBERT PALADIO 21. PEÑA, JOSIE BERNARDINO 22. RAMOS, JENNELYN SALTING 23. SALAZAR, CHRISTOPHER BAUTISTA 24. UY, MATTHEW ALDRIN GATDULA 25. VENZON, CHRISTINE TALUSAN 26. YEPEZ, ROVIC PARAY

Jul. 17, 2025

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