By Frances Batara, STRATCOM Correspondent

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), through its College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development (CAFSD), has partnered with the City Government of Batac  to formalize three Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) aimed at advancing agricultural and natural resources management. The signing ceremony took place on November 28 at the Center for Flexible Learning.

The collaboration focuses on three key initiatives: Empowering and Strengthening the Community through Enterprise Development Projects on Bamboo and Mushroom Production, Value Adding, and Marketing; Revitalizing Community Engagement to Institutionalize Partnerships for the Promotion, Extension, and Development of Organic Fertilizer Technology; and Revitalizing Community Engagement to Institutionalize Partnerships for the Promotion, Extension, and Deployment of Mango Processing Technology.

The three projects will empower local communities by conducting needs assessments, organizing consultation meetings, and providing training, while also increasing partnerships with government and non-government organizations for additional support. CAFSD OIC-Dean Charlie Batin, Dr. Floramante Pastor, and Prof. Rhoda Garcia will lead these projects.

In her message, MMSU OIC-President Prima Fe R. Franco emphasized that the university remains a strong partner of the City of Batac for inclusive development in the agricultural sector, particularly through education and research that directly benefit communities. She encouraged the continued collaboration between MMSU and the LGU, pointing to the role of innovation in improving the lives of the people and ensuring sustainable progress in the region.

MMSU Extension Director Marilou Lucas affirmed that past initiatives with LGU-Batac have been successful and expressed optimism for the continued impact of these new projects. Dr. Batin also expressed confidence in the sustainability of the projects, citing the strong support from LGU-Batac as crucial to their success.

Batac City Mayor Hon. Albert D. Chua pledged his full support for the projects, emphasizing the shared goal of leveraging technology to improve livelihoods and promote economic growth.

Representatives from partner barangays, including Mr. Jonathan Laud of Mabaleng, Mr. Carlito Aoigan of Payao, and Ms. Ruby Ann Yadao, President of the City of Batac Mango Stakeholders Association Inc., expressed their commitment to leading knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and resource mobilization efforts in their communities.

MMSU Legal Officer Atty. Ma. Saniata Marcos, City Agriculturist Mark Allan Abad, CAFSD Extension Coordinator Prof. Glisten Faith Pascua, and other staff members and employees were also present at the event.