DILG-R1 taps MMSU for solid waste management research

By Margarita Hilario, 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘰𝘳
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region I and Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) have formalized a partnership through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for a commissioned research project on Ilocos Norte’s solid waste management. The MOA signing was held last April 29 at the MMSU Office of the President.
Titled “Analyzing the Strategic Role of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte in Solid Waste Management: Basis for Policy and Strategic Directions,” the study is expected to provide evidence-based policy recommendations to strengthen the provincial government’s capacities in environmental governance under the devolution framework. The proponents are confident that these recommendations will eventually translate into policies that address actual public concerns.
The MOA was signed by MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., and DILG Region I Director Jonathan Paul Leusen, Jr., represented by Local Government Capability Development Division Chief Pedro Gonzales. The signing was witnessed by MMSU Graduate School faculty members Margarita Hilario (Project Leader), Bensen Alex Pola, and Herdy Yumul.
The partnership is a result of the DILG’s efforts to pursue its goal of full devolution mandate under Executive Order No. 103 s. 2025, which recalibrated the government’s existing framework to give local governments more autonomy concerning delivering a wide range of services.
On the part of MMSU, the partnership supports the research-driven governance reforms and strengthens collaboration between academia and government in promoting sustainable, efficient, and responsive public service delivery.