op@clsu.edu.ph (044) 940 8785
CLSU Logo

Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

University

Success in the Eyes of a Summa cum Laude

Jul. 14, 2022

Stratcom | SCO

“When you want to achieve something, you shouldn’t wait for it to come. You have to reach it through hard work, perseverance, patience, and prayers.” This is the life formula of Mr. Jerwin De Leon, a 21-year-old BS Mathematics student of Central Luzon State University (CLSU), who is set to receive his diploma and academic distinction with the highest academic honor this coming July 15, Friday during the 70th Annual Commencement Exercises. Jerwin is a product of the first batch of K-12 learners who will graduate as the lone summa cum laude of the class of 2022. He lives a simple life in the province of Nueva Ecija. His mother, Mrs. Marilou De Leon is a street food vendor who would regularly wake up at four o’clock in the morning to prepare the ingredients needed to operate her small business. His father, Mr. Joseph De Leon is a tricycle driver who endures the scorching heat of the sun every day to earn additional money to support his studies and school needs. Being the eldest son of his proud parents, he grew up unsheltered from the realities of life making his family his primary source of strength and inspiration. “My success is not for me, it is for my family,” Jerwin blithely shared. Graduating with a general point average (GPA) of 1.13 was indeed overwhelming news for him. In fact, his course was not his first choice. Contrary to what is expected, Jerwin shared a love-hate relationship with numbers and formulas. He vividly recalls his younger days when he would cry because he was having a hard time understanding mathematics. “Patience is a virtue. Hindi naman ako nag-umpisa na magaling na talaga sa math; tiyaga lang talaga. Tiniyaga ko talagang pag-aralan, tiniyaga ko ang maraming pagkakamali para lang magkaroon ng isang tamang sagot,” he bravely confessed. Inspired by his past mentors, he started developing a love for the equation. His enthusiasm for mathematics was further developed when he joined the CLSU Math and Physics Circle which later on he became the president. It is one of the student organizations in the University; this is where he realized that there is more to learning and studying inside the four corners of the classroom. His passion for education, however, was tested during the pandemic wherein the medium of instruction was limited to online platforms, and students were forced to stay in the confines of their homes. For students like Jerwin who enjoy and find studying in a group beneficial, the new normal set-up is indeed a challenge. “The student organization served as my support group. It is also through this that I was able to help my fellow students who are struggling in mathematics by providing free tutorial services,” he said. For Jerwin, being of help to others is a fulfillment. He is an achiever but he clarifies that he is never in competition with other people other than himself. “Success for me is knowing that I gave my best effort, and I did the best I could,” Jerwin said. Learning requires patience. It is a trial-and-error journey. Sometimes, one has to try a hundred times in order to get that one correct answer. Struggles and mistakes are part of life, and it is during these trying times that one must trust and believe that they are capable. Just like what Jerwin did, he believed that he can and so he did. “Wag tayong maghintay lang sa biyaya, or wag tayong umasa lang sa iba. Maging matiyaga tayo upang makamit ang tagumpay na ating inaasam.” he said. Jerwin is indeed a living proof that patience and perseverance are greater than life’s uncertainties and trials. 

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

View More