DOST Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer Ma. Lourdes P. Orijola was designated as program leader of the MMSU-CHED S&T Park for the commercialization of food and innovative materials that make use of biological and non-metallic resources found in Ilocos Norte.

Orijola’s special detail in the university, which was approved by DOST Sec. Mario G. Montejo and was signed by MMSU Pres. Miriam E. Pascua, covers the period April 1, 2014 to March 30, 2015.

As program leader, Orijola provides overall supervision for the conduct of the S&T Park’s activities in line with the production of community-based, high value meat products in the countryside as a means of rural empowerment. By showcasing the technologies being developed by MMSU and those of private entrepreneurs who are assisted by the university, these activities are expected to trigger socio-economic development in the countryside.

Aside from these functions, Orijola will also lead in the development and implementation of business and marketing strategies; facilitate university-industry interaction for the transfer of advanced technology developed by the university; provide assistance and advice to the project staff for the development, patenting, and marketing of industry-related products and technologies; conduct technology trainings and seminar-workshops for the project leaders and staff; and review materials prepared by the project and study leaders for publication.

Meanwhile, the first phase of the S&T Park, which is situated in the corner of Bacucang and Paoay roads is now nearing completion and is expected to be in full swing before the end of this year. It occupies a 2,000 sq.m. land area, which is part of the more than one-hectare sprawling rice seed production farm of the university. Its second phase will start next year.

The building, which will house highly-industrialized equipment for food processing, is mandated to serve as venue for the transfer of basic and applied technologies developed by the university to aspiring entrepreneurs in the food sector.

It is recalled that the DOST Region 1 has donated some of these highly-industrialized equipment for the operation of the Food Innovation Center (FIC) at the former Agricultural Engineering Building of the MMSU-CAFSD.