By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr. 

The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) awarded a Php 12.5-million fund to the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) to implement three Research for Development (R4D) projects.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar handed in the Certificates of Award to MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis, Graduate School Dean Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, and the project leaders: Prof. Joan Rarogal, Prof. Art Del Rosario, Prof. Constante Julian, and Dr. Charlie Batin. 

MMSU will soon implement the following R4D projects: Spatial Suitability and Field Verification Trial of Seaweed Farming Technologies in Ilocos Norte (Php 4.1 million); Establishment of Agri-Fisheries Technology Business Incubator in Mariano Marcos State University (Php 7.18 million); and Strengthening the Bamboo Production System in Ilocos Norte (Php 1.2 million).

In addition, the DA committed to provide Php 104.5 million to MMSU for its other developmental projects. 

The awarding ceremony coincided with the launching of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RCEF-RFFA) program held at Teatro Ilocandia today December 15. 

Joining the activity were the DA officials, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, Representative Angelo Marcos Barba, City of Batac Mayor Albert D. Chua, and other officials. (StratCom)