By Joycel Lagrio, STRATCOM Correspondent

To culminate its 47th Foundation Anniversary, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) hosted the 7th Parambak ditoy MMSU on February 14, emphasizing the impact of its extension and research programs on community development and agricultural innovation.

Held in front of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development (CAFSD), the event featured 37 exhibitors showcasing technologies and products in agriculture and aquaculture.

Exhibitors included stakeholders from the Agricultural Training Institute–Ilocos Region’s Learning Sites, Magsasaka Siyentista (farmer scientists), Balik-Probinsia beneficiaries, and select city and local government units (LGUs) in the province, who displayed and sold their local products.

Various colleges and university units also showcased their products and services through booth displays. Additionally, the Research Directorate conducted a speed talk featuring MMSU-developed technologies, including off-season tomato production, shallot cultivation, Bolinao chicken, indigenous vegetables, and black garlic.

A fresh vegetable harvesting activity was also conducted at the President's Farm, where participants could collect string beans, squash, sweet potatoes, okra, ampalaya, and bok choy, among others, at their own pace and choice.

During the program, 17 new partners of the Extension Directorate were awarded Certificates of Appreciation for their contributions. Beneficiaries also shared testimonies on how MMSU’s technology-driven initiatives have positively impacted education and sustainable agriculture.

The event also marked the launch of the third volume of the book Voice of Hope and Gratitude, which documents the impact of MMSU’s extension programs on various communities. Dr. Marilou Lucas, director of the Extension Directorate, dedicated the book to the university’s stakeholders.

Immediate past OIC-President Prima Fe R. Franco commended the Extension Directorate for sustaining Parambak ditoy MMSU and emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships to expand the university’s outreach.

Meanwhile, incoming 8th MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano highlighted his vision of continuous unity and collaboration. He also urged concerned units to sustain sustainable farming practices.

“Our garden should be available for harvest any time of the year. For instance, during the rainy season, we can maximize the greenhouse for off-season tomatoes,” Dr. Manzano challenged the concerned units in Ilokano.

Attendees included representatives from the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, LGUs, non-government organizations, farmer leaders, entrepreneurs, farmer scientists, learning sites, and other MMSU-assisted beneficiaries, along with faculty, non-teaching staff, and students.

Since its first edition in 2018, Parambak ditoy MMSU has been held in various locations, including the university’s Dingras Campus, a barangay in Batac, and CAFSD Batac.