Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU Research Director among Region 1 qualifiers for Gawad Lingkod Bayan

By Jareason Fabre

Dr. Dionisio Bucao has spent decades turning agricultural science into practical solutions for local farmers, first as a researcher and now as Research Director of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU). His work earned him a spot among Region 1’s qualifiers for the prestigious 2026 Gawad Lingkod Bayan ng Pangulo, conferred on September 21 in San Fernando City, La Union.

The Gawad Lingkod Bayan ng Pangulo, administered under the  Civil Service Commission (CSC) Honor Awards, is reserved for public servants whose extraordinary work yields nationwide impact.

Dr. Bucao was one of only five individual qualifiers chosen across the entire region.  Standing alongside established leaders like Candon City Mayor Eric Singson, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) President Dr. Jaime Manuel Jr., DMMMSU South La Union Campus Chancellor Joanne Rivera, and Alaminos City Social Welfare Officer Elizabeth Radoc, his inclusion underscores how vital scientific research is to public service and community progress.

While the regional recognition is a major milestone, the journey is just beginning for the regional qualifiers. CSC Regional Offices are currently endorsing Region 1’s qualifiers to the National Honor Awards Program Secretariat to join 219 regional contenders nationwide.

From there, a Presidential Committee on Awards, composed of cabinet officials appointed by the President of the Philippines, CSC Commissioners, constitutional body heads, and prominent private citizens, will deliberate on national finalists before submitting them to the Office of the President for final vetting and conferring.

For MMSU, Dr. Bucao’s qualification reflects a career dedicated to ground-level agricultural transformation. An MMSU alumnus with a doctorate in Soil Science from UP Los Baños, he is a widely published expert in soil carbon sequestration, nutrient management, and water conservation.

As Research Director, Dr. Bucao currently steers high-impact research programs for the region’s priority commodities. His work includes leading initiatives to produce virus-free planting materials to revive local garlic and shallot crops, as well as driving MMSU's breakthrough partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority on embryo-cultured macapuno seedlings.

"I am deeply honored by this recognition, which I consider a reflection not only of my work but of the people and institutions who continue to support our research efforts," Dr. Bucao shared. "I share this recognition with MMSU and our research community, and I hope it inspires us to keep pursuing research that creates meaningful benefits for our communities."

Dr. Bucao also expressed his sincere appreciation to MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. for his backing of university research and innovation, as well as to the researchers, project leaders, staff, and agricultural partners whose daily work made this regional honor possible.