MMSU research director earns DOST award for garlic and agri-food R&D
By Stephanie Camille Ilar
Dr. Dionisio Bucao, the Director of Research at Mariano Marcos State University, received the 2025 DOST-PCAARRD Technology Dissemination and Utilization Award during the 5th DPGAA Biennial Convention held on November 26-27 in Aklan.
The event, themed “Scholarly Synergy in Advancing Research and Collaboration,” was organized by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Graduate Alumni Association, Inc. (DPGAA). It recognizes members who have significantly contributed to technology transfer and deployment, and to advancing agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources through impactful research initiatives.
The award recognized the achievements of the Garlic and Other Agri-Food Condiments R&D Center, a program under the Niche Centers in the Regions (NICER) initiative funded by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD). The NICER program supports universities in establishing specialized research centers that address the science and technology needs of local communities and industries.
As program leader of the Center, Dr. Bucao has led the development of innovations that increased garlic yields, advanced value-added products, and strengthened partnerships with farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Through the center, the country’s garlic industry was revitalized, and improvements extended to other agri-food condiments, such as shallots, chili, ginger, and turmeric.
According to Dr. Bucao, the Garlic NICER project comprises five components, one of which is “Project 2: Improvement of Garlic and Other Agri-food Condiments Productivity through Integrated Crop Management System,” which he also led.
The project, completed on April 30, 2025, successfully evaluated multiple production strategies and developed a comprehensive Integrated Crop Management (ICM) Package of Technology for garlic. This science-based guide recommends using the garlic variety known as MMSU Gem, also referred to as "Miracle." It provides detailed instructions on optimal planting distance, nutrient management, pest and disease control, irrigation scheduling, and the application of essential soil amendments and micronutrients to ensure superior crop growth and yield.
Dr. Bucao’s research achievements were further recognized when his study was awarded First Place in the oral research presentation category during the 2nd Joint Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Symposium held in San Fernando, La Union, in 2024. This distinction qualified him as one of the three national finalists in the 2025 National Symposium on Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development under the research category.
These accomplishments reflect MMSU’s strong support for Philippine agriculture through science-driven, community-responsive innovations.
Dec, 09, 2025 07:45:pm
Written By:
STRATCOM
