CLSU Graduate and Proud of It!

Note to my readers who are not from CLSU. I invite you to read on . You may not know the people I’m writing about, but their achievements and contribution to society are significant and inspiring.

My eagerness in going to Las Vegas was inspired not by what the city had to offer but by the opportunity of rubbing shoulders with some of CLSU’s great achievers. For the second time, after more than three decades, I got to see and reconnected with my fellow Central Luzon State University alumni. I am always inspired to hear their success stories. What a thrill it really was to mingle and fellowship with these wonderful CLSU graduates.
Here’s a small sampling of CLSU alumni outstanding achievements:

Drs. Edison and Nenet Cabacungan were both graduates of CLSU in 1959. They did masters and doctoral works in their respective fields-home economics and agricultural economics in the United States. They both served for more than 30 years as educators at California State University.  These faithful alumni are working hard to grow the Endowment Fund to provide scholarships to the poor but smart young people.

Dr. Terry Abella is the current president of  Central Luzon State University . He is a multi-awarded fellow in the field of Fisheries Science. Dr. Abella’s focus in this field of study was undivided as he pursued this scientific discipline from bachelors to masters and doctoral level. He is well published and widely cited in his line of expertise. His ability to focus is  an asset that is now employed in leading CLSU to greater heights.

Engineer Gerry Galinato the president of the International Alumni Association (3rd from left) had served the State of Idaho in various capacities such as Energy Specialist, Water Resources Engineer etc. for more than 35 years. He is currently serving as Technical Engineer at Idaho Public Utilities Commission.

 Dr. Eliseo Ruiz, Agricultural Engineering graduate in the 1970s was an editor-in-chief of CLSU Collegian. Dr. Ruiz was a former President of CLSU. His invention, a unique blend of organic fertilizer won several awards and recognitions around the world. His product is now being used in many Asian countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Thailand, etc. Recently, it was noticed by a British agricultural expert who designed the entire irrigation network in Kenya. After several experiments that yielded excellent results, manufacturing plants are now being setup in Africa to mass produce his very promising product.

His organic concoction was also tested in California- from Napa Valley down to San Diego and Mexico, and the results are staggering. The curious American who introduced the product to various California farms was very convinced of its potency that she plans to show it to her friend Bill Gates. Who knows what’s going to happen if the benevolent philanthropist becomes convinced of the product’s impact on global food production.

Had his invention not been registered as a commercial entity, the Philippines would have had it’s first Nobel Laureate.

Another amazing invention by a CLSU graduate was introduced to us during the reunion by a young fellow, who even after several set backs did not give up but persevered instead. Jun Espejo did not have masters nor doctorate degrees under his sleeve, but his curiosity led him to some amazing agricultural technology never tapped before. His product and method are revolutionizing the production of fruits and vegetables in the Philippines. No more waiting for five long years to produce mango crop. He was able to cut the process such that even a six-month old tree can produce fruits. His agricultural products also gave solution to vegetable production. The technology is now being adapted in several regions of the Philippines. Governors of different provinces would invite him to consult on their agricultural issues. 

In the area of animal science, my former fellow Collegian writer, now a Professor VI at the College of Agriculture, Dr. Antonio Barroga takes pride in a new revolutionized swine and poultry production. He was personally involved in conducting field experiments using Dr. Eliseo Ruiz’s invention. This technology render an odorless and fly free production of swine and poultry. If you are interested in knowing more about this revolutionized method, please visit : “Livestock Odor Eraser and Flies Free Company.”

My co-engineering alumnus Dr. Francis Cuaresma found a way of extending the shelf life of mango. His technology process can make green mangoes stay green for up to two months. This breakthrough in crop handling has won awards for its economic merit. This technique will be useful in exporting the Philippine mango world-wide.

Dr. Gilbert Sigua is a USDA soil scientist who did a very important research on “Managing Water Availability and Quality to Maintain or Increase Agricultural Production, Conserve Natural Resources, and Enhance the Environment. He travels around the world consulting in the area of soil and water management and conservation. His wife Celia, my co-alumnus in Agri engineering field is in medical research. 

Samuel and Diosdado  Robeniol  were CLSU alumni who had degrees in area of agriculture engineering and agriculture respectively.  But  they both shifted to other professions.   The Robeniol brothers both enlisted in US military service. Samuel was in the army and Diosdado was in the navy. After Samuel completed his military service, he pursued the nursing profession. Diosdado continued his service as a civilian employee working as a maintenance crew in a naval base. The Robeniol brothers represent some number of CLSU graduates who shifted to second careers and demonstrated good success.  

From employment to business is another career change that some CLSU graduates have pursued. Engr. Rodrigo Dioso ventured in establishing a call center in Ilo-ilo city.  He left corporate America and went back to the Philippines to outsource employment for a health care business. His three-year-old company is poised to expand as an agreement with CLSU is bring drafted. The university will partner with Engr. Dioso in establishing a state of the art call center facility on campus. This will also serve as a training center for students preparing to become call center agents.

MABUHAY CLSU and your Alumni world-wide.