By DANIEL P. TAPAOAN, JR.

The Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in the City of Batac launched on Thursday (August 20) the third rice paddy art in the university main campus, featuring the facial image of Dr. Santiago R. Obien, the second MMSU President and the first Executive Director of PhilRice.

Led by MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis and PhilRice - Batac Manager Reynaldo C. Castro, the activity was a part of the institutions’ commitment to promote farm tourism and to spark deeper appreciation on rice farming. 

The ceremonial planting, which was held at the MMSU Extension Demonstration Area, was participated in by the members of the MMSU community, officials and personnel of PhilRice-Batac, Department of Agriculture – Ilocos Norte Research and Experiment Center (DA-INREC), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), National Tobacco Administration (NTA), and the Philippine Fiber Development Authority (PhilFIDA). City Mayor Albert D. Chua and some members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod also attended the activity.

In the event, Dr. Agrupis thanked the attendees, saying that MMSU and PhilRice agreed to feature Dr. Obien because of his valuable contributions in agriculture, education, and community development. 

According to her, Dr. Obien, who is currently an adviser of the Department of Agriculture and MMSU, was also instrumental in the establishment of the Philippine Tobacco Research and Training Center (PTRTC) and various PhilRice branches in the country. 

In response, Dr. Obien said that he did not expect to be featured in the paddy art, adding that “I can never thank you enough for honoring me.” 

He also reminded the audience that government servants must work for the people without expecting for any honor or reward in return. 

The rice paddy art used IR 1552, a traditional purple rice variety from Korea; and PSB Rc82, a traditional high-yielding inbred variety produced by PhilRice. 

To create the paddy design, the planters use the anamorphosis principle, a technique used in 3D art where a picture looks distorted but appears normal when viewed from a certain angle.

Dr. Castro said the rice paddy art is one way of encouraging the youth to appreciate and pursue courses on agriculture. 

The paddy art is expected to show the image of Dr. Obien by October, when the plant shall reach their early vegetative stage.

The rice paddy art in MMSU was first established in 2018 featuring the image of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos. In 2019, the paddy art featured former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos. (StratCom)