MMSU students won awards in two competitions during the Uong-Balat (Oyster Mushroom and Sea Cucumber) Farms and Industry Encounter through Science and Technology Agenda (FIESTA) held at the University of Northern Philippines in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur last March 13-15.

The MMSU dance troupe won first place in the creative dance showdown. Also, Maria Aurora L. Navarro and Niña M. Pungtilan landed second  in the cookfest competition with their dish, Oysea Cub Roll with Tomato Sauce. Nhishelie Jahnne F. Lagundi and Dale Darius C. Baguio also got consolation prize in the same contest with their Oy-Sea-Ber with Camote Tops and Snake Bean Sprout.

Aside from the two competitions, other activities during the FIESTA were book launching of Farmer-Cooperators’ success stories, technology forum and matching, forum with students and farmers, media conference, and field visitation to oyster mushroom farm, among others.

Conducted by the Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (ILAARRDEC), the Uong-Balat FIESTA featured various activities highlighting the production, marketing and value-adding of technologies and commodities, with the theme, “Agri-aqua Industry for Sustainable Growth and Prosperity”.

It was participated in by the officials of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), national and local media partners, local government units, as well as researchers and extension workers, students, and farmer-cooperators in Region I.