PCA and MMSU hold blessing for new Coco Tissue Culture Center
By Jareason Fabre
The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), along Batac–Paoay Road, held the blessing and dedication of the newly completed Coconut Tissue Culture Center on January 20, 2026.
The facility is a ₱20-million infrastructure project approved by PCA on May 7, 2025, as part of its support to MMSU in strengthening the coconut industry in Northern Philippines. The project is one of the earliest infrastructure initiatives completed following MMSU’s launch of several major projects during its 48th Foundation Anniversary.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the center was held on August 22 last year, led by PCA Administrator Dr. Dexter R. Buted, CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., and representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Barely a few months later, the facility has been completed and is now ready for use.
The building was blessed by Pastor Marcial Gabriel, with staff from the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) units and PCA Ilocos Norte staff, headed by Ms. Rose Ann Cabaloan, in attendance.
MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. explained the significance of the project, describing it as an edifice that reflects the university’s act fast mantra after its timely project implementation. “With ‘Aksyon Agad,’ we can fast-track infrastructure like this, which will benefit agriculture, research, and our farmers,” President Manzano said.
Representing PCA, Mr. Mark Roy Q. Macanlalay, Regional Manager III for PCA Region I, II, and CAR, expressed PCA’s support for MMSU’s research-driven initiatives that aim to strengthen the coconut industry.
VPRDI Nathaniel Alibuyog, gave a tour of the new facility and shared aspirations on how this will be utilized to support the coconut industry.
In an interview, Dr. Dionisio Bucao, Research Director and project leader, shared that while the infrastructure has been completed, MMSU has also submitted research and development components to PCA to activate the laboratory and fully utilize the equipment. He emphasized that these components are essential to ensure the center’s sustainability and impact on coconut research and plantlet production.
With the facility now complete, MMSU expects to activate the laboratory in the coming months through its approved R&D components, making the center a key hub for coconut research and innovation in the region.
Jan, 22, 2026 09:31:am
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STRATCOM
