DOST-PCAARRD, UP-ISSI visit proposed MMSU farm tourism project site
By Wimbledon Bosque
Officials from the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST–PCAARRD) and the University of the Philippines–Institute for Small-Scale Industries (UP-ISSI) conducted a site visit at the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) Crops Research Laboratory on January 15 to assess the proposed farm tourism project under the Science for the Convergence of Agriculture and Tourism (SciCAT) Expansion Program.
The delegation, led by Assistant Professor Melanie Moraga-Leaño, Director of UP-ISSI and SciCAT Program Leader, together with UP-ISSI extension specialists Kaye Bravo-Coballes, Janelle Faye Tanudtanud, Joshua Garcia, and Garry Nipales, along with Dianne Cabello of the Technology Transfer and Promotion Division, DOST–PCAARRD, was welcomed by MMSU President Virgilio Julius Manzano, Jr.
The inspection was facilitated by Dr. Nathaniel Alibuyog, Vice President for Research, Development, and Innovation; Dr. Dionisio Bucao, Director for Research, Innovation, and Technology serving as Technical Director; Dean Emil James Tanagon, College of Business, Economics, and Accountancy (CBEA); Dr. Eva Jean Viernes, Project Leader from the CBEA–Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management (DTHM); Dr. Sheila B. Baquiran, Project Member from DTHM; Dr. Buena Creselda Taloza, Project Member and Chair of DTHM; and Quincy Savellano, Project Member from CBEA-DTHM, who guided the delegation through an on-site technical walkthrough.
The initiative, titled “Project 3. TALON: A Farm Tourism Model for Sustainable Development at MMSU,” is designed to integrate agriculture, tourism, and education. The project aims to boost the rural economy, provide an alternative income source for local farmers, and offer educational and recreational benefits to visitors by showcasing modern farming practices and technologies.
The project has secured policy-level endorsement from the PCAARRD Directors’ Council and approval from the PCAARRD Governing Council through an Ad Referendum resolution. Implementation will be spearheaded by Dr. Viernes, subject to compliance with the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DOST–PCAARRD and MMSU.
Also present during the site visit were Dr. Menisa Antonio of the Research Directorate; Ms. Mary Ann Bruno of the Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, and Resources Research and Development Consortium (ILAARDEC); Architect Aida Cabang, Director of the Physical Planning and Development Office (PPDO); Romel Buduan, PPS Chief; Arsenio Guillermo, Chief of Physical Planning; Dave Clark Pascua, Project Development Officer; and Mark Argel Cabie, Draftsman.
Expressing the university’s appreciation for the support of DOST–PCAARRD and UP-ISSI, Dr. Manzano stated, “The proposed farm tourism initiative is fully aligned with MMSU’s mandate to advance sustainable agriculture and promote inclusive community development. The support of DOST–PCAARRD and UP-ISSI will further elevate MMSU’s role as a catalyst for rural development and agri-based innovation.”
MMSU is among the select institutions collaborating with DOST–PCAARRD and UP‑ISSI to develop Science and Technology‑based agri‑tourism hubs under the SciCAT Expansion Program, which aims to transform farms into S&T‑enabled tourism sites to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and community development.
Jan, 20, 2026 03:50:pm
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STRATCOM
