Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU, PhilRice launch ASEAN-themed rice paddy art

By Myrrha Prima Rosa Muli

Marking another milestone in its journey toward its 50th Golden Anniversary, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) Batac, unveiled its 2026 Rice Paddy Art on October 22 at the university’s extension demonstration area, ahead of its golden anniversary celebration.

Carrying the theme “MMSU Going ASEAN,” this year’s rice paddy art features an ASEAN-inspired design created using IR 1552 purple rice and standard green rice. The theme aligns with the university’s goal of becoming a premier university in Southeast Asia by 2033, highlighting its aspirations for greater regional engagement and excellence in education, research, and extension.

The launch gathered university and local government officials, agricultural extension workers, farmer leaders, teachers and students from DepEd Batac Division.

Representatives from the Philippine Carabao Center, National Tobacco Administration, DA–Ilocos Norte Research and Experiment Center, Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority, National Irrigation Administration, and Department of Science and Technology also attended the event, reflecting the broad network of institutions supporting the initiative.

To express their support for the university, Batac City Mayor Markee Chua and Vice Mayor Albert Chua, represented by the Philippine Councilors League Ilocos Norte President Kichel Jomarie Pungtilan attended the launch. Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos was represented by Board Member Medeldorf Gaoat, while Vice Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc was represented by Board Member Marlon Sales. Their representatives conveyed messages of support for the university and its initiatives.

In his overview of the project, Extension Director Marlowe Aquino traced the development of the rice paddy art initiative, which began with its conceptualization in 2017. The first rice paddy art was established at MMSU in 2018, highlighting the 101st birth anniversary of former president Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. Since then, the initiative has served as a platform for showcasing agricultural innovation and strengthening the collaboration between MMSU and PhilRice.

DA-PhilRice Batac Director I Mary Ann Baradi, through her representative Research and Development Coordinator Anielyn Alibuyog, emphasized in her message the importance of sustaining the partnership between MMSU and PhilRice, noting that meaningful contributions to the region begin with strong institutional collaboration and initiatives that benefit local communities.

“As MMSU looks ahead to its Golden Anniversary and strengthens its engagement with ASEAN, we are reminded that meaningful contributions to the region begin with strong partnerships and impact to work in our communities,” she said.

MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr. likewise highlighted the need to nurture the university’s initiatives and partnerships as it works toward meeting regional standards and achieving its long-term aspirations.

“We’ve been planting these seeds, and we need to nurture these seeds such that indeed, we will be able to measure ourselves against the standards of the ASEAN,” he said, referring to the university’s continuing efforts to strengthen its position in Southeast Asia.

Former MMSU president Santiago Obien also attended the event. Obien, who led the university from 1985 to 1987, was featured in the rice paddy art in 2020, the third year of the MMSU–PhilRice partnership. He also served as the founding executive director of PhilRice.

The launch also included an awarding ceremony recognizing second and third-year students from the College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development (CAFSD) who assisted PhilRice in the project’s initial planting activities.

As MMSU moves closer to its Golden Anniversary, the 9th annual rice paddy art stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between the university and PhilRice, demonstrating how agricultural research, creativity, and community collaboration can work together to make agriculture more engaging and accessible to the public by transforming rice cultivation into a creative and educational experience.

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