Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU, agribusiness companies ink pact to enhance corn productivity in Ilocos Norte

By Ian Paul Villanueva

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and seven agribusiness companies signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on August 18 to boost corn productivity across Ilocos Norte. The partnership will establish a new technology demonstration area, conduct relevant studies, and launch extension activities for local farmers, development workers, students, and teachers.

The partnership paves the way for the conduct of the project, “Improving Productivity through Academe–Industry Collaboration in Corn Production and Management System,” which will culminate in training programs and technology promotion activities for the benefit of corn producers in the province.

MMSU’s industry partners include Corteva Agriscience Philippines, Inc. (represented by Mr. Santos Pablo), Advanta Seeds Philippines, Inc. (Mr. Jai James Ugot), Bayer Crop Science, Inc. (Mr. Jaydee Miguel), Syngenta Philippines, Inc. (Mr. Christopher Ralleca), and CP Seeds Philippines Corp. (Mr. Joseph Zacarias), as well as East-West Seed Co., Inc., and Enviro Scope Synergy, Inc.

MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., who signed on behalf of MMSU, expressed the university’s commitment to fulfill its obligations under the agreement through the Extension Directorate, led by Dr. Marlowe Aquino.

“Thank you, our dear partners. We count our official partnerships as added value for MMSU because it opens opportunities for us to fulfill our mandate as a state university in ways we would not be able to do as well on our own. I hope that we can truly functionalize our plans so that our stakeholders will ultimately benefit from this partnership,” Dr. Manzano said.

Vice President for Research, Development, and Innovation Nathaniel Alibuyog also thanked the industry partners and shared his message of support.

“As our university president has said, if done right, this partnership would benefit our stakeholders, our farmers, as well as our students. I hope that we will be able to make an impact with this partnership such that this MOA signing will not be merely ceremonial,” he remarked.

A fitting complement to the MMSU's research and extension capabilities, the partnership will mark a significant initiative in equipping Ilocos Norte corn producers with science-based agricultural innovations.