Mariano Marcos
State University

DOST-PCAARRD honors MMSU, ILAARRDEC at anniversary rites

By Cathelyn May Alupay, 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘰𝘳 
 

The Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) honored Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and the Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (ILAARRDEC) during its Science and Technology (S&T) Recognition and Awarding Ceremony on January 30 at the SMX Convention Center in Manila.
The ceremony marked DOST-PCAARRD’s 53rd Founding Anniversary and the 50th (Golden) Anniversary of its Consortia System.
 

Themed “GALING PCAARRD: Science, Technology, and Innovation that Work, Partnerships that Last for the AANR Sector,” the ceremony honored partner institutions, outstanding researchers, and individuals who have made significant contributions to the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector.
 

Among the awardees was Dr. Dionisio Bucao and his research team from MMSU, who secured Third Place under the Research Category for the Best R&D Paper Award for their study, “Enhancing Garlic Productivity through Planting Density and Nutrient Management Optimization.” The paper presented science-based and practical approaches aimed at improving garlic production in the agriculture sector.
 

The award was formally received by Dr. Bucao, together with MMSU President Virgilio Julius Manzano, Jr. and Vice President for Research, Development, and Innovation Nathaniel Alibuyog. The recognition came with a cash grant of ₱125,000, along with additional allocations of ₱40,000 for ILAARRDEC and ₱50,000 for the University.
Also recognized for academic excellence was Dr. Alecsis Villarin, who completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Pathology under the Graduate Research and Assistantship for Technology (GREAT) Program of DOST-PCAARRD. Her dissertation, titled “Molecular Identification, Disease Mapping, and Development of Diagnostic Protocol for Viruses Affecting Garlic (𝘈𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘶𝘮 𝘓.) in the Ilocos Province, Philippines,” contributed to strengthening plant disease diagnostics in the region.
 

In a separate recognition marking the 50th (Golden) Anniversary of the DOST-PCAARRD Consortia System, ILAARRDEC received a Plaque of Recognition for its nearly five decades of leadership and service in advancing agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources research and development in the Ilocos Region.
 

Plaques of appreciation were also awarded to three ILAARRDEC staff members for their long-standing service: Dr. Sherlyn Nicolas, Regional Science Communication Cluster (RSCC) Coordinator, for 15 years; Dr. Love Grace Campano, for 14 years; and Ms. Mary Anne Bruno, for 16 years.
 

MMSU’s and ILAARRDEC’s recognition exemplifies their sustained commitment to research excellence, partnership, service, and their vital role in advancing science, technology, and innovation continue to contribute to the sustainable development of the AANR sector in the Ilocos Region.