By Czarina Berlynn Donne Agustin

With a shared vision to uplift the agriculture and fisheries sector in the Ilocos region, the Department of Agriculture, Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte and Mariano Marcos State University joined hands to implement a collaborative agri-fishery research for development and extension (R4DE) program.

The partnership was made official today, June 27, during the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the R4DE program between DA Secretary William Dar, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, and MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis.

Among the areas of collaborations agreed upon by the parties is technology development for smarter agri-fisheries. This includes the development of tools and support systems for high productivity in rainfed areas using rainfed agriculture or the cultivation of crops without irrigation and utilization of mainly water that comes from rainfall and is stored in the unsaturated soil.

The project likewise targets mainstreaming natural resource management for sustainable productivity.

Moreover, for inclusive and sustainable bioenergy and biofuel production, a biomass technology will be established to further strengthen agri-fishery extension delivery systems.

Also aiming to revitalize the livestock and poultry industry in the province, a smarter production system is set to be developed.

DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research Director Dr. Junel B. Soriano commended the efforts of the framers of the program, committing to provide funds for the execution of this initiative and other related activities, and connect it with other international agencies.

Assuring its support, Ilocos Norte Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System Director Atty. Juan Alfonso Augustus I. Jose also relayed that the Ilocos Norte government will extend its assistance for the implementation of the program. He recognized that the program will greatly benefit to ensure food security and promote the welfare of farmers and fishers in the region.

Meanwhile, Dr. Agrupis committed that MMSU will fully use its advanced research and extension services for this project to address the problems in agriculture and help uplift the economic status of Ilokanos.

The R4DE forms part in the university’s rich research and extension culture which significantly contributes to the improvement of people’s socio-economic lives. (JVBT/HLY,StratCom)