by Lea Agbigay, Contributor

Recognized as a national university for agriculture, MMSU strengthens its role in the seed industry with five faculty members and researchers appointed to Technical Working Groups (TWG) under the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC). 

The appointments of the university researchers were confirmed through Special Order No. 61, series of 2025, issued by Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on January 10.

The appointed MMSU experts from the Research Directorate (RD) include Ms. Marissa Atis for the Vegetable Varietal Improvement Group, Ms. Noralyn Legaspi for the Rootcrops Varietal Improvement Group, and Mr. Mario Remolacio for the Corn and Sorghum Varietal Improvement Group. Also named as TWG members are Dr. Jocelyn Bernabe and Mr. Bryan Pungtilan, both faculty members of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development, who will serve in the Field Legumes Varietal Improvement Group and Rice Varietal Improvement Group, respectively. 

The MMSU experts will join other appointees from universities, government agencies, and private institutions, representing the 11 TWGs of NSIC.

Their appointment aligns with Republic Act 7308, or the Seed Industry Development Act of 1992, which mandates the creation of a Technical Secretariat composed of experts in the seed industry. The TWGs are responsible for setting seed standards and improving systems for identifying, evaluating, and approving new crop varieties. 

MMSU nominated these faculty members and researchers in response to NSIC’s call for members, and after a thorough selection process, they were confirmed to serve a two-year term.