AROUND 250 researchers, farmers, extension workers, local government officials, and other guests from the different member-agencies of the Ilocos Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (ILARRDEC) flocked to MMSU Aug.10 as the 18th ILARRDEC Regional Symposium on R&D Highlights commenced with a simple opening program at the Teatro Ilocandia, 8 a.m.

The two-day affair which ends today has for its theme: “Stronger partnerships: More responsive R&D”.

Highlights of the opening program was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement on enhancing “palayamanan” through the Techno Gabay Program as well as the oath taking of ILARRDEC press correspondents.

This year, 33 papers are competing for the best development, best research, and best undergraduate thesis awards while 16 posters are vying for the best poster award.  Of these, six papers and three posters are from MMSU.  Aside from the 33 papers presented for competition, two will also be presented today during the plenary session.

The celebration will culminate with an awarding ceremony this afternoon, Aug. 11, and will be graced by Mayor Hernani A. Braganza of Alaminos City, Pangasinan as keynote speaker.  Recipients of the 2006 Best Techno Pinoy Center as well as the 2006 Most Outstanding Magsasaka Syentista will also be awarded during the ceremony.