By Kimberly S. Miguel

Putting Ilokano ingenuity in the national spotlight, the team of state universities and colleges (SUCs) in Region I bagged major awards in the National SUC Fair 2022 spearheaded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). 

Led by Mariano Marcos State University, the Region I team prevailed second runner-up in the Best Booth Bazaar, garnering a Php 10,000 cash award and a certificate. It is among the 20 booths displayed at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall from June 28 to July 1.  

Along with the University of Northern Philippines, Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, North Luzon Philippines State College, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, and the Pangasinan State University, the Region I booth showcased various innovative food products, crafts, and novelty items from local resources. 

The Region I team also bagged the Best Agri-Food Product, receiving Php 5,000 cash award and a certificate. 

Representing MMSU in the SUC Fair were the Extension Directorate, Food Processing and Innovation Center, and the offices for Agri-aqua Technology Business Incubator and the Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management. 

Moreover, MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis, UNP President Erwin F. Cadorna, and DMMMSU President Jaime R. Manuel, Jr. also participated in the cultural fashion show as part of the national event. These three SUC heads, along with PASUC I and PSU President Dexter Buted, ISPSC President Gilbert Arce, and NLPSC Officer-in-Charge Danilo R. Bose expressed strong support to the Region I team. 

This year’s SUC Fair was also packed with plenary talks, innovation exhibits and demonstrations, product bazaar, cultural shows, and other competitions. 

With the theme, “Promoting Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Culture and Arts for National Development and Global Competitiveness,” the event highlighted the roles of SUCs for transformative development through excellent innovation culture and nation building. 

CHED Chairperson J. Prospero E. De Vera III said the SUC Fair 2022 exhibited the brilliance and innovativeness of different SUCs across all regions by showcasing their local products and rich culture. (HLY/JVBT/DPTJ, StratCom)