By Joycel Lagrio, STRATCOM Correspondent

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) conducted a training on alukon (himbabao) propagation for farmers in Brgy. 11 Sta. Rosa, Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, on May 2, 2025, in time for the barangay fiesta and Farmers’ Day celebration.

Led by the MMSU Research and Extension Directorates, the training was attended by 64 farmers, barangay officials, members of the Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation, and various representatives from the local government unit of Sarrat.

Dr. Menisa Antonio, Engr. Josefa Pugat, and Mr. Jayson Rasay from the MMSU Research Directorate served as speakers and demonstrators during the training.

Also present at the event were Officer-in-Charge Provincial Agriculturist Ma. Teresa Bacnat, who served as guest of honor and speaker, Sarrat Councilor Jerwin Ballesteros, and the municipal agriculture officer.

Dr. Marilou Lucas, Director of the MMSU Extension Directorate, said the training was conducted in response to community requests and aimed to enhance farmers’ knowledge and skills in propagating alukon.
Engr. Bacnat also highlighted the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist’s commitment to providing agricultural inputs and technical support to local farmers.

In his message, Brgy. Sta. Rosa Chairperson Richard Agpaoa expressed his gratitude to MMSU for its continued support in empowering local farmers. Participants also shared their heartfelt appreciation for the valuable training they received. At present, Mr. Agpaoa has started propagating alukon following the recommended strategies provided by the speakers. 

Prior to this, Mr. Agpaoa had also attended other MMSU-led trainings, such as the Techno Speedtalk conducted during Sarrat’s town fiesta, and the Parambak iti Talon held at MMSU in February 2025.  
With these initial steps, MMSU hopes that communities will be able to establish sustained alukon production and optimize the crop’s utilization for food and other applications.

According to the Department of Agriculture, alukon (Broussonetia luzonica (Blanco) Bur.), a Philippine indigenous vegetable, is commonly used by Ilokanos as an ingredient in traditional dishes such as inabraw, dinengdeng, and pinakbet.