𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱: 𝗠𝗿. 𝗥𝗮𝗳𝗮𝗲𝗹 𝗟𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴
     Mr. Rafael Lardizabal Pagaling, a 2005 graduate of AB Development Communication, has made a significant mark in the agricultural sector as the owner and founder of Zennor Hydroponics Farm.  His innovative approach to hydroponics farming has revolutionized agricultural practices and positioned the farm as a beacon of sustainable agriculture in the Philippines. Zennor Hydroponics Farm, a certified Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA), has become a model for operational excellence, attracting visits from academic institutions and government offices, including the Office of VPRET, led by Dr. Fe Porciuncula. The farm also participated in the 15th CLARDEC Festival, showcasing cutting-edge technology to students and visitors.

    In addition to his entrepreneurial success, Mr. Pagaling is passionate about agricultural education. He is one of the creators of the National Hydroponics Quiz Bee and the 1st International Agripreneurships in Hydroponics Summit 2024, bringing together local and international stakeholders to promote sustainable farming practices. His contributions have earned him accolades such as the INJAP SIA Outstanding Young Entrepreneur Award and the Manila Bulletin UPLIFT Award.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱: 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝘆. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘁 𝗩. 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗼-𝗣𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮
Atty. Margaret V. Castillo-Padilla, a 2005 graduate of AB Development Communication, has dedicated her career to public service, particularly in environmental protection, anti-corruption efforts, and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities. Currently serving as a Deputy State Prosecutor, she chairs the Task Force on Environmental Cases and the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) Task Force, safeguarding the country’s natural resources and financial interests.

Atty. Castillo-Padilla has been instrumental in advancing policies to protect the rights of Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV), ensuring non-discrimination and access to legal remedies. Her work extends to her alma mater, where she established the DOJ Action Center (DOJAC) in Region III to provide free legal services to underserved communities in Nueva Ecija.

Her unwavering dedication to justice and public service has earned her numerous recognitions, including the 2023 Award of Distinction from the UST Law Alumni Foundation and the honorary rank of Commodore in the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary.

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱: 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗲𝘀𝘂𝘀𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻
Dr. Jesusa Cabling Beltran, a 1997 graduate of Business Administration, has spent over 26 years advancing the Philippine rice industry through her innovative research and policy contributions. As a Chief Science Research Specialist at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Dr. Beltran has led groundbreaking studies that transformed rice production, marketing, and sustainability practices.

Her work, which includes developing bioeconomic models for integrated weed management and leading the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program, has influenced national policies aimed at ensuring the competitiveness of Filipino farmers. Her research continues to shape the future of rice farming in the Philippines.

Dr. Beltran’s exceptional contributions have earned her prestigious awards, including the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Regional Award and the Dangal ng PhilRice Award. 

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱: 𝗗𝗿. 𝗟𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗿𝘂𝘇 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗮
Dr. Lilian Cruz Garcia, a 1981 graduate of BS Inland Fisheries and a 1996 graduate of MS Aquaculture, has made significant strides in improving the Philippine fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Her expertise has shaped sustainable fishing practices and aquaculture systems, benefiting both the environment and fishing communities across the country.

Dr. Garcia’s work in advancing sustainable fisheries practices has garnered her local and international recognition. Her contributions to policies ensuring the long-term viability of the Philippines’ aquatic resources have solidified her reputation as a leader in her field. As a result, she has become a key figure in the development of sustainable aquaculture practices, benefiting the livelihood of countless fishing families.

Dr. Garcia’s outstanding achievements in fisheries science and her commitment to the conservation of aquatic resources have earned her the Gintong Butil Award for Professional Achievement.

𝗔 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲
The 2024 Gintong Awardees embody the values of CLSU: excellence, integrity, and service. Their remarkable contributions to their respective fields and communities serve as an inspiration to future generations of CLSU students and alumni. As they continue to make significant impacts in their professions, they remind us of the transformative power of education and the enduring legacy of CLSU.

On February 1, as the CLSUAAI honors these four outstanding individuals, we celebrate their remarkable achievements and reaffirm CLSU’s commitment to shaping leaders who will drive positive change in the world. Congratulations to Mr. Rafael Lardizabal Pagaling, Atty. Margaret V. Castillo-Padilla, Dr. Jesusa Cabling Beltran, and Dr. Lilian Cruz Garcia are true embodiments of CLSU’s mission to foster excellence and service to society!