By Jareason Fabre

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) has joined the Philippine Agribusiness Consortium (PAC), a national partnership of six state universities and colleges (SUCs) that seeks to enhance agribusiness education, research, policy, and innovation across the country. The consortium was formally launched on July 21 at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). 

Initiated by UPLB, the PAC is an alliance among the University of the Philippines Mindanao, Visayas State University, Mindanao State University – Marawi Campus, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, and MMSU. University presidents, deans, and heads of academic programs from these institutions gathered at UPLB to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that establishes the framework for this academic and professional collaboration.

Representing MMSU, President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. signed the MoU and also delivered a welcome message during the Arigbusiness Midyear Forum, the first collaborative activity under PAC. He was joined by Prof. Ethel Reynda Calivoso, chair of MMSU Agribusiness program.

In his message, Dr. Manzano emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing challenges in Philippine agriculture and agribusiness. He also expressed MMSU’s commitment to working closely with fellow institutions to promote innovation and inclusive growth in the sector.

“Through this consortium, we are creating a united front to strengthen agribusiness education, research, and practice across the country,” he said. “MMSU is proud to be part of this collective effort to shape a more sustainable and competitive future for Philippine agriculture. I am proud to be part of this community that delivers real results and wins for the Filipino people.”

The launch event featured a roundtable discussion among higher education institution representatives, the formal signing of the MoU, and the Midyear Forum in Agribusiness. These activities kickstart the Consortium’s long-term vision to make agribusiness education more consistent, responsive, and impactful on a national scale.

Under the agreement, the PAC will promote several cooperation activities among its members. These include joint curriculum development to align agribusiness education with current industry needs, collaborative research and development projects, internship and job placement programs, faculty and student exchange initiatives, and policy dialogues with government and industry stakeholders. There are also plans for knowledge-sharing platforms, training for faculty and professionals, and industry-led mentorship programs.

Through this collaborative framework, the Consortium aims to produce competent agribusiness professionals and contribute to sustainable and inclusive economic growth, particularly in rural communities.

MMSU’s role in the PAC is backed by its strong agribusiness program and its efforts to make agricultural technology more accessible and practical. MMSU offers a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness, which combines business and agricultural subjects such as management, marketing, finance, crop science, animal science, extension services, and agricultural economics.

📸 Prof. Ethel Reynda Calivoso