MMSU researchers share expertise on smart agriculture in NSTW forum
By Stephanie Camille Ilar
Two Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) researchers served as resource speakers on smart agriculture and sustainable communities during the second day of the forum series of the 2025 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) held on November 19 at Northwestern University, Laoag City.
MMSU’s Research Director Dr. Dionisio Bucao provided insights on regenerative farming, sharing approaches that help restore soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem function.
His discussion emphasized the need for carbon sequestration–capturing and storing carbon dioxide to reduce atmospheric concentration– along with improving soil fertility, conserving water, and enhancing climate resilience through natural processes. Dr. Bucao also outlined the importance and features of regenerative farming and its distinctions from conventional practices.
Meanwhile, Dr. Reynold Caoili, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (DABE) Chair and Agricultural Machineries and Equipment Center (AMEC) Chief, presented the Automated Floating Fish Feeder with Programmable Dispensing Device. The solar-powered mechanism is designed to improve aquaculture efficiency through automation and precise feed management in fish ponds.
Dr. Caoili described the challenges commonly faced by fish pond farmers and presented the feeder’s features, operational use, and economic benefits.
In his message, Dr. Nathaniel Alibuyog, MMSU Vice President for Research, Development, and Innovation and Director of the Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (ILAARRDEC), emphasized the importance of said forum, especially for the local farmers. He noted that research and development is an essential means to really bring science and technology to people. VP Alibuyog is also one of the event’s organizers.
The forum, which brought together students, researchers, faculty, and local government unit representatives across the Ilocos Region, was organized by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD). This is part of the week-long celebration of National Science and Technology Week (NSTW), currently hosted by the City of Laoag, with this year’s theme, “𝘚𝘪𝘺𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘺𝘢, 𝘛𝘦𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘩𝘪𝘺𝘢, 𝘢𝘵 𝘐𝘯𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘺𝘰𝘯: 𝘒𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘢 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘨, 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘩𝘢𝘸𝘢, 𝘢𝘵 𝘗𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘨 𝘯𝘢 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘶𝘬𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘯”.
Through its involvement in NSTW, MMSU continues to showcase scientific innovation and contribute to building smart, resilient, and sustainable agricultural communities in the region and beyond.
Nov, 20, 2025 04:07:pm
Written By:
STRATCOM
