Mariano Marcos
State University

PCA, MMSU partnership to strengthen Makapuno biotechnology in Northern Luzon

By Jareason Fabre

After the completion and dedication of the Embryo Culture Facility (ECF) at Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) early this year, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) signed a new agreement with the university today, August 13. The partnership aims to functionalize the facility for the production of Embryo Cultured Makapuno (ECM) seedlings and make true-to-type Makapuno planting materials more accessible to coconut growers.
 

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. and PCA Administrator Dexter Buted. The signing was witnessed by MMSU Vice Presidents Dr. Nathaniel Alibuyog (Research, Development, and Innovation), Dr. Aris Reynold Cajigal (Academic Affairs), Dr. Mee Jay Domingo (Planning and Strategic Foresight), and Dr. Dionisio Bucao, Director of Research and Project Leader, along with PCA officials. Pangasinan State University also signed a similar agreement with PCA.
 

Under the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), PCA will provide ₱5 million to support the procurement of laboratory equipment and supplies, as well as minor upgrading of facilities needed to make the ECF fully functional. PCA will also provide technical assistance on ECM technology, train MMSU personnel, and provide 50 high-quality macapuno seedlings for the establishment of a Makapuno Field Demonstration Farm.
 

MMSU President Manzano expressed his appreciation to PCA Administrator Buted and the entire PCA leadership and team for their trust and support for the university. He said MMSU will continue to work with PCA in promoting coconut biotechnology, increasing the availability of quality Makapuno planting materials, improving the livelihood of coconut farmers, and contributing to the development of the coconut industry.
 

He likewise ensured that MMSU will fully implement the program, delivering the agreed outputs, and sustain the ECF and Makapuno demonstration farms as platforms for research, training, technology development, and service to farmers and communities across Northern Luzon.
 

Through the partnership, MMSU will operate and manage the ECF, establish a minimum 0.5-hectare Makapuno demonstration farm, and develop screen house and nursery facilities for the production and maintenance of ECM seedlings. The university will also identify Makapuno farms as sources of nuts for embryo culture and maintain production, survival, harvest, and distribution records to monitor the performance and success of the program.
 

The initiative aims to increase the availability of quality, true-to-type Makapuno planting materials for qualified and would-be coconut farmers, while strengthening research, biotechnology, and sustainable coconut production in Northern Luzon. It is also expected to provide a sustainable source of Makapuno planting materials that can help farmers improve farm productivity and develop higher-value coconut enterprises.
 

Dr. Bucao said the University is committed to making the facility a functional platform for Makapuno biotechnology, to produce quality planting materials that can eventually reach more coconut farmers.
 

The new agreement builds on the growing partnership between PCA and MMSU in advancing coconut research and development. On January 20, 2026, the two institutions held the blessing and dedication of the newly completed ECF, which is located along the Batac–Paoay Road.
 

The ₱20-million facility was established to strengthen MMSU’s capacity for coconut research, biotechnology, and quality seedling production. Its groundbreaking ceremony was held on August 22, 2025, led by PCA Administrator Buted, CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis, President Manzano, and representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways.
 

With the new ECM partnership, MMSU and PCA are taking the next step in maximizing the ECF, not only as a research facility, but as a production and technology hub that can help bring improved Makapuno planting materials closer to coconut farmers and contribute to the growth of the industry.