“WHO WOULD ever think that a jackfruit seedling that I collected, germinated, and then distributed for planting would be so sweet, well-shaped, and be later baptized as MMSU-SRO Sweet Jackfruit?”

Such was the remark of Dr. Santiago R. Obien, former MMSU president and Philippine Rice Research Institute executive director, when he came to MMSU, July 27, for the launching of six newly registered fruit crop varieties from the Ilocos which included a sweet jackcfruit named in his honor rightly because he was the one who brought it to the university when he was president.

He said if he were to remember his MMSU presidency as one shining moment in his brief public service, he said he will always treasure the honor of receiving recognition – “not a plaque of appreciation, not a check of money but a fruit species that is named in my honor.”

He thanked the university for the honor and because of that, he said, he stands among the giants of fruit science and technology development.

Obien paid special courtesy to Dr. Gliceria S. Pascua who “translated” his “simple instruction” into “something that is of scientific and technological value” when the latter, then a young PhD graduate, was reporting for return to duty.

He joyfully recalled his first encounter with Pascua almost 22 years ago when “out of ignorance”, he asked her to “survey the fruits in Ilocos and select the best species and varieties for our people” from a question Pascua asked him:  “What shall I do now, Sir?”

He continued:  “Glis must have done something good out of a simple instruction. I think she did just simple research – but simple research done in extraordinary way.  And that made the difference.”

“The depth of feeling and satisfaction in engaging ourselves in simple things and then finding out what we do means more production and better life for our people – is the mission that we give our time today – a celebration of the a scientist’s vision and perseverance; a celebration of knowledge; and a celebration for a rare chance that a seed grows and bears sweet fruits,” he said.

NSIC-registered varieties

The MMSU Fruit Crops R&D Program, specifically the Varietal Improvement, Conservation, and Mass Propagation of Mango and Other Fruit Crops Project under Dr. Gliceria S. Pascua, has identified six fruit crop varieties which are now registered with the National Seed Industry Council for commercialization.  These are the:  MMSU Gold Carabao Mango owned by MMSU and located in Payao, City of Batac.  This is a heavy yielder, a regular bearer, is thin-seeded, very sweet, and has large fruit with full cheeks; Rambu Avocado owned by Isabelo Ramos of Banna, Ilocos Norte.  This has long shell-life, is very firm, has flesh with buttery and nutty flavor; and has seed tight in cavity;

Rabanal Caimito owned by Dr. Sixto R. Pascua Jr. It is located at #32, City of Batac.  This is fruitful, is a regular bearer, and has purple, big, very sweet, and creamy fruits; Prima Mango named after the owner, Prof. Prima Franco of MMSU-CAS.  Located in Sinait, Ilocos Sur, this can be eaten fresh or processed, has large fruit and high edible portion; Corcino Mango owned by Roque Corcino of #7, Piddig, Ilocos Norte.  This can be eaten fresh or processed, is a heavy yielder, and has beautiful red skin; MMSU-SRO Sweet Jackfruit owned by MMSU and which was also named after Dr. Santiago R. Obien who brought it to the university.  This has minimal latex, has small seeds, and is very sweet.

Meanwhile, the project has identified also two outstanding fruit selections.  These are: Aglibut Sweet Tamarind owned by MMSU.  This is a regular bearer, a high yielder, and has very sweet fruits; and 

Giant Duhat owned by MMSU.  This is sweet, has high edible portion, and is early bearing.

Held by their owners, these fruit crops were simultaneously presented during the program held at the newly constructed MMSU Function Hall.  Among those who attended was Dr. Zosimo M. Battad, former president of the Pampanga Agricultural College in Magalang, Pampanga and who was once a faculty member of MMSU.  He came to represent the late Prof. Andres Aglibut from whom the Aglibut Sweet Tamarind was named and who was his grandfather.  The tamarind seedling was both planted at PAC and at MMSU, thus having this owned by the two state institutions.

During the same occasion, Dr. Roberto E. Coronel, professor emeritus of UPLB and former chair of the NSIC Fruit Crops Technical Working Group, was presented a plaque of recognition for his contribution to the fruit crops selection of MMSU.

A ceremonial tree planting of the MMSU-SRO Sweet Jackfruit and other NSIC-registered fruit varieties of Ilocos followed at the University Main Library.