By Jesslyn Keith Valite

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) signed a 10-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), through the DA-Crop Biotechnology Center (DA-CBC), on March 17 at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Hall to advance crop improvement through biotechnology and innovative plant breeding techniques.
Addressing agricultural challenges in the Ilocos region, MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. and DA-PhilRice, represented by DA-CBC Chief Dr. Roel Suralta, formalized the agreement.

The signing was witnessed by MMSU Vice President for Research and Development Nathaniel Alibuyog, Research Director Diosio Bucao, Garlic Research Laboratory Head Mae Rose Maoirat-Abad, Center for Cellular and Molecular Medical Research Chief Peter James Gann, and DA-CBC staff

The partnership enables direct collaboration between DA-PhilRice and MMSU in research and development, joint projects, and knowledge sharing in advanced biotechnology and plant breeding. It also opens opportunities for short-term training and internships for MMSU students at DA-CBC.

“MMSU has a deep understanding of the region’s agricultural challenges and technological needs,” Dr. Suralta said, emphasizing DA-CBC’s commitment to supporting the university in developing innovative solutions.

Dr. Manzano reaffirmed MMSU’s dedication to working closely with DA-CBC, highlighting the university’s mission to serve the community while driving agricultural advancements.
The collaboration builds on existing ties between MMSU and DA-PhilRice. Since June 2019, the two institutions have been working under a 25-year usufructuary agreement. MMSU also has an ongoing memorandum of agreement (MoA) with them, providing students with on-the-job training through the student-trainee engagement program.

By combining expertise, MMSU and DA-PhilRice aim to enhance agricultural sustainability and resilience in the region, contributing to food security, poverty reduction, and national development.