MMSU was again recognized in the scientific research community when five of its researches received awards in the AFMA R&D competition during the 27th National Research Symposium (NRS) conducted by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), Oct. 14, at Sulo Riviera Hotel, Quezon City.

Three of the research papers highlighted results of studies on indigenous vegetables, while the other two were on garlic and biofuel feed-stock, particularly nipa.  Principal authors of the papers received their citation awards and cash prizes during the opening program. The research papers were among the 12 entries submitted by MMSU to DA-BAR for the competition.

The papers with their corresponding authors are: 1) “Development of package of technology for Kapaskapas” by Lucrisia Conchita Cocson, Lagrimas Flojo, and Menisa Antonio; 2) “Development of package of technology for Sugudsugod”, also by Flojo, Cocson, and Antonio; 3) “Phytochemistry and free radical scavenging activity of some indigenous vegetables in the Ilocos” by Antonio, Prima Fe Franco, Maingelline Vivit, Zenaida Agngarayngay, Karina Damo, Roque Ulep, Kristian Gay Dutdut, Anabelle Bernardo, and Azaleah  Franco;

4) “Phenological events and purple blotch incidence in Ilocos White garlic at different planting dates” by Evangeline Galacgac, Leticia Lutap, and Charito Acosta; and 5) “Nypafuiticans: A climate-resilient and sustainable feedstock for biofuel” by Shirley Agrupis, Joselito Rosario, Marilou Lucas, Maria Concepcion Birginias, Nathaniel Mateo, and Fiorello Abenes.

Cocson and Flojo, the principal authors on indigenous vegetables (kapaskapas and sugudsugod), were first-time recipients of the award. According to them, the awarding ceremony was a fulfilling and memorable moment in their career as researchers, especially that they are set to retire from the government service this December. It was Antonio’s third time to receive award from NRS, while second time for Galacgac and Agrupis.

Records show that in the past five years, MMSU has been a consistent awardee in the AFMA R&D NRS. This year’s number of paper qualifiers has been the highest in years. The five were among the 48 winning papers culled from the 111 entries submitted to DA-BAR by other research agencies in the entire country.

Based on DA-BAR evaluation criteria, research papers that garner 80-84 points are automatically given awards, while those that get 85 points and above are considered finalists.

Republic Act No. 8435 or the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) prescribes urgent related measures to modernize the agriculture and fisheries sectors in the country to enhance their profitability and prepare them for the challenges of globalization through adequate, focused, and rational delivery of support services.  

The NRS is a venue where mature technologies on higher-value commercial crops, value-added processing, agribusiness and fisheries activities, and agro-industrialization are presented and promoted so that farmers and fishermen who may adopt them may increase their income and profit.

Dr. Prima Fe R. Franco, officer-in-charge, and Dr. Nathaniel R. Alibuyog, vice president for research and extension, congratulated the researchers for the honors they once again brought to the university. (By Lea C. Agbigay)