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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

CLSU Convenes DC-SUC III and CIRPS Meeting with CHED

University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella led the Joint Executive and Technical Staff Meeting of the Development Council of State Universities and Colleges Region III – Center for Inter-Institutional Research and Policy Studies (DC-SUC III/CIRPS) in Playa Azul, Baler, Aurora, last May 20, 2025. Also present were Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Desiderio R. Apag III, CHED Region III Director Lora L. Yusi, other SUC III Presidents, and their respective CIRPS technical staff. As the current chair of DC-SUC III, which is the equivalent of the PASUC regional association in Central Luzon, President Abella presided over the meeting. During this gathering, the presidents discussed several key topics, including proposed international education summits, professional development programs for member institutions, international quality assurance for curricular programs, and the upcoming SUC Fair 2025 which will be spearheaded by Region 3 SUCs. In support of these initiatives, Director Yusi pledged the support of CHED in terms of funding and logistical support to these activities while Commissioner Apag lauded the SUCs in the region for performing very well and for having a collaborative relationship among the institutions. Prior the meeting, Dr. Abella attended the turnover ceremony of the Culture and Arts Association of State Universities and Colleges in the region. He then proceeded to the opening of the State Colleges and Universities Faculty Association of Region III (SCUFAR) Regional Games, hosted by Aurora State College of Technology.

May. 28, 2025

CEd Dean receives UNIFFIED Int’l Award for Excellent Service

Dr. Florante P. Ibarra, College of Education (CEd) Dean, received the prestigious 2025 United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc. (UNIFFIED) Excellence in Service International Award—Most Outstanding Filipino Achiever on May 25, 2025, in New York City, USA. This award recognizes his remarkable commitment to academic and research excellence and exceptional public service. A diverse team of regional education leaders from U.S. Chapters including New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Queens organized the 2025 UNIFFIED International Summit Gala and Awards Ceremony, themed “Breaking Boundaries, Leading Change, Innovative Solutions.” The event, which was staged from May 22 to 25, 2025 at the Marriott New York City LaGuardia Airport, aims to acknowledge Filipino educators who have consistently dedicated themselves to their profession, demonstrating outstanding leadership, research, creativity, and innovative ideas that transform the academic environment and inspire both their peers and future generations. This recognition exemplifies CLSU’s commitment to academic excellence and leadership and its initiatives to support educators and communities in nurturing a culture of excellence. #SievingForExcellence #QualityEducation #LifelongLearning

May. 26, 2025

CLSU ROTC Unit Impresses with 99 percent Overall Score; Women Cadets Dominate the troops

After months of rigorous training and dedication, the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Unit celebrated a significant achievement today, May 26, as they earned an outstanding overall score of 99.03% during the highly anticipated Regional Annual Administrative and Tactical Inspection (RAATI). The CLSU ROTC Unit, led by Asst. Prof. Zorille Dela Cruz was composed of 313 females and 254 males, demonstrating the strong presence of women in the troops. They showcased mastery of skills in all evaluated categories including marching drills, basic life support, and the execution of tactical maneuvers. This year’s evaluation team, headed by Col. George M. Bergonia, assessed the capability of the cadets to lead with discipline, proficiency, and readiness to serve. University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella expressed his full support to the students encouraging them to do their best in representing the university. “Alam ko ang mga sakripisyo ninyo… Kaya sa inyong mga Cadet at sa lahat ng bumubuo ng ROTC Unit, ako po ay proud sa inyo… Yung nanjan lang kayo at nasa harapan namin ngayon, kayo para sa akin ay panalo na,” said President Abella. He further boosted their morale during the closing program, as he congratulated the students for the sweet success that comes from their hard work saying “Mas matamis ang tagumpay kung pinaghihirapan.” This near-perfect score solidifies the University’s position as one of the leading ROTC units in Central Luzon, underscoring the exceptional caliber of its cadets and the effectiveness of its training program. RAATI is a comprehensive annual evaluation meticulously conducted by the Philippine Army which serves as the final test for ROTC units across the region. #RAATI #SievingForExcellence

May. 26, 2025

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