MAY 12, 2009. \"Today is a red-letter day for MMSU as our efforts to promote and commercialize our technologies get a big boost with the Technology Resource Center (TRC) as our partner. Developing technologies is a futile exercise if they will be kept in the cabinet and be considered as gray literature.\"

Thus said President Miriam Pascua during the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with TRC represented by Director General Antonio Y. Ortiz at the FEM Hall Conference Room.

Under the MOA, the TRC shall promote nationwide the MMSU technologies, products, and services through its website, e-library system, network of Technology and Livelihood Development Centers, and various media available to TRC. The agency shall also provide evaluation and assessment services on the financial viability of available technologies of MMSU, and package them for commercialization.

Together with MMSU, TRC shall setup a Technology-based Business Incubation Center as an avenue for technology commercialization.

TRC chose MMSU as partner because of its reputation as \"a world-class institution of higher learning renowned for its excellence in science and technology and for its commitment to the holistic development of the individual and society\".

The MOA signing was followed by a video shoot for Negosyo atbp., TRC’s television show aired over the National Broadcasting Network on Saturdays, 3-4 p.m. \"We wanted to show that our commitment translates to swift action so we already brought our television crew to feature MMSU’s technologies,\" said Director Ortiz. The episode will air May 16.

Among the technologies to be featured are the kawayan charcoal briquette and kawayan e-products presented by engineer Jose Zafaralla, malunggay ice cream and other malunggay-based products developed by Dr. Lorma Valera of CIT, and the 4-in1 portable smoke processor invented by Prof. Zaldy A. Fernandez, also of CIT. To be featured, too, are tropical wines, empanada, and the Elan Garden in Batac—projects assisted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The Technology Resource Center (TRC) serves the public through the acquisition and promotion of technology and livelihood skills and information for Filipinos worldwide. A government corporation attached to DOST, it operates as a self-sustaining institution.

Established in 1973 under Presidential Decree 1097 issued by President Marcos, TRC acts as a facilitator in the utilization and active exchange of ideas, information, and technology to help create new jobs and livelihood opportunities as well as develop small and medium-sized businesses. It caters to the diverse technology needs and demands of marginalized sectors, existing and prospective entrepreneurs, local government executives as well as business leaders in the countryside.

TRC also has existing MOAs with other state universities, including the University of the Philippines in Los Baños and the Central Luzon State University in the Science City of Muñoz.