By Guiller Lopez, Contributor

Honoring its impactful collaboration with the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Insititute (DA-ATI) Ilocos Region for the implementation of programs for the fiscal year 2024, MMSU received a Plaque of Recognition in an awarding ceremony on February 6 at Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan. 

Conferred during the “ATIng Gabi ng Parangal at Pagkilala: Kasangga sa Ekstensyong Pangisdaan at Agrikultura,” the award was handed to MMSU Extension Directorate Chief of Training and Continuing Education Bella Gervacio and Chief of Applied Communication Mercy Gaño.

The award recognizes MMSU’s active involvement in empowering the agriculture and fishery communities that cultivated sustainable and innovative practices in the agriculture sector in the Ilocos Region.

MMSU is home to the Satellite Training Center of the DA-ATI Regional Training Center I. Meanwhile, the MMSU Extension Directorate houses the DA-ATI FITS Kiosk, which offers various publications on agriculture, aquatic resources, and natural resources.

The directorate also serves as a Partner-Member Agency of ATI-Ilocos Region and Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic Resources Research and Development Consortium in the implementation of the Techno Gabay Program in various towns of Ilocos Norte. 

In previous years, MMSU has been recognized by DA-ATI for its strong commitment and full support of the center’s efforts and initiatives. 
MMSU OIC-President Prima Fe R. Franco expressed gratitude to DA-ATI for the recognition and commended the Extension Directorate for continuously leading the implementation of the community-driven initiatives of the university.

The awarding ceremony is one of the highlights of the DA-ATI Ilocos Region's 38th Founding Anniversary, themed “Youth in Agriculture: Cultivation through Partnerships.”