The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice)-Batac and the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University each won three awards while the Department of Agriculture-Ilocos Integrated Agricultural Research Center (DA-ILIARC) and the Office of the Provincial Agriculture-Ilocos Norte brought home one award each.

The following are the winning papers and posters of MMSU in the different categories:

Research category:

1st place - Indigenous food plants for increased food sufficiency in Ilocos Norte, Philippines by Menisa A. Antonio, Rodel T. Utrera, Epifania O. Agustin, Dionisio L. Jamias, Araceli J. Badar & Miriam E. Pascua
3rd  place - Reduce the incidence of prevalent insect pests and diseases of sweet sorghum with bio-organic-based package of technology (POT) byThelma Z. Layaoen, Odelon V. Caraan, Sixto R. Pascua Jr., Samuel S. Franco, and Heraldo L. Layaoen

Development category:

1st place – production of hydrous fuel grade ethanol from first and second generation feedstocks by Shirley C. Agrupis, Roque A. Ulep, Ma. Concepcion B. Birginias, Magdalena Valencia, and Fiorello B. Abenes

Poster- Information for Dissemination (ID):

1st place – Dagiti Napabaro a klase ti balatong by Fernando P. Sugui, Corazon C. Sugui, Jocelyn A. Bernabe, and Rucille E. Rasalan

Poster-Technology for Dissemination (TD):

3rd place – MMSU Glut 1:  Diket a mais para Luzon by Martina F. Tinguil, Corazon A. Sabuco, Mario I. Remolacio, and Federico R. Pascual

Thesis

2nd place – Consolidated bioprocessing of sugarcane (Sacharium officinarum) bagasse to ethanol using rumen fluid by James Paul Madigal, BS Biology graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences
3rd place – Anti-seizure property of pomelo (Citrus grandis Linn.) leaf extract on Tramadol-induced seizures on swiss mice by Vincenzo Angelo C. Albano, Howald G. Martin, and Blesilda O. Yabis, BS Pharmacy graduates of the College of Health Sciences

MMSU had 19 entries to the symposium broken down into: research, 5; development, 2; poster-ID, 5;  poster TD-4; and undergraduate theses, 3.  In addition, two papers were presented in the plenary session namely: “Palayamanan Farmers Field School as alternative extension approach: Evidence for rice farmers in Northwest Luzon”  by Dr. Criselda M. Balisacan and  ‘A business perspective on bioethanol and the environment” by Dr. Fiorello B. Abenes, DOST Balik Scientist.

The regional symposium is an annual activity of ILARRDEC wherein technologies and information from its member- agencies are reviewed and presented. Participated by technology generators, researchers, subject matter specialists, communicators, extension workers, policy makers, farmers, entrepreneurs, and representatives of local govenment units and non-government organizations, it facilitates the dissemination of research breakthroughs in the sectors of agriculture, forestry, and natural resources to end-users.

This year’s regional symposium, which espoused the theme, “Responding to climate change challenges towards a vibrant agribusiness in Region 1,” was keynoted by Dr. Guillermo A. Mendoza, an associate professor of the University of Illinois, USA and a recent DOST Balik Scientist at MMSU. (Lea C. Agbigay)