The MMSU campus in Dingras, Ilocos Norte is slowly transforming itself into a model kalachuchi campus with the planting of various species of plumeria.

It also launched last January 25 the President's model farm, led by MMSU President Shirley Agrupis as a show window of farm technologies the university generated for years.

Dr. Agrupis said about 70 kalachuchi seedlings of various species were planted in the 14-hectare vicinity, emphasizing that she chose kalachuchi, "because of its aesthetic value, which could make the Dingras campus become more vibrant, as well as its medicinal uses."

"Our university researchers had already collected 10 varieties of kalachuchi from the selected towns in Ilocos Norte, and they are now being propagated in the university nursery," she said Monday, noting these will be studied for their medicinal properties through the MMSU Tuklas Lunas Development Center (TLDC).

Studies show that kalachuchi has the ability to treat toothache, dysentery, diarrhea, arthritis, rheumatism, pruritic skin lesions, and asthma, among others.

As a fast-growing plant in tropical countries, it is among the top choices of plant enthusiasts and propagators.

Meanwhile, the President's model farm is a one-hectare demonstration farm that showcases science and technology-based innovations to the community.

Once completed, the model farm shall have poultry and livestock cages, fishpond, and vegetable production areas.

Developed technologies, such as quality seeds for optimum yield, use of Bio-N as seed inoculant, carrageenan plant growth regulator (CPGR) as foliar fertilizer, vermicomposting and improved rice and corn varieties, will also be displayed.

"This model farm will surely help the farmers improve their farming practices as long as they adopt the technologies that it will share," Agrupis said, adding that the farm will also serve as a venue for continued partnership with various agencies for sustainable development.

The ceremonial launch of the two projects was attended by MMSU employees, students, representatives of the province's local government units, partner-agencies, and students and teachers of nearby schools.

The activities coincided with the Parambak Idiay Talon (farm festivities) in celebration of the university's 41st foundation anniversary.

The launch was graced by Mayor Harumi Yamamoto and other officials of Takko town, a well-known garlic capital of Japan.

The Japanese officials visited Ilocos Norte to establish partnership with MMSU and the provincial government in improving the province's garlic industry.