By Kimberly S. Miguel 

Correspondent

As part of its massive malunggay seedling production project, the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) is distributing 40,000 malunggay seedlings to local farmers in Ilocos Norte. 

Fifty-five farmers and housewives from Badoc, Currimao, Paoay, Solsona, Piddig, Dingras, and Batac first received 8,000 seedlings during the project’s pre-dispersal training at MMSU Function Hall last December 17. 

The remaining seedlings will be distributed to interested farmers’ association from the different municipalities in the province. 

“Venturing in malunggay production and processing them into various products can be an excellent stride towards uplifting the economic lives of Ilokano communities,” stressed Dr. Dionisio Bucao, project leader. 

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis said that strong support and commitment from the beneficiaries are instrumental in ensuring the success of the malunggay project. “Through your cooperation, we hope to rise a new ‘Green Gold’ of the North,” she expressed. 

Meanwhile, Batac Mayor Albert Chua affirmed the city government’s commitment in the MMSU’s development project. “We hope to develop a productive land by taking heart its recommended package of technology for malunggay production with the vision of paving a competitive space for our fellow Ilokanos especially in the global market.”

Dr. Larina Zabala, chief of DA - Ilocos Norte Research Experiment Center (INREC), also assured the agency’s support to the project, particularly in malunggay growing and processing.  

Last January, agriculture department granted Php 4 million to MMSU to implement the massive malunggay seedling production project in an eight-hectare reserve area in barangay San Pedro, City of Batac. 

In collaboration with the DA-Regional Field Office I (DA-RFO 1) and the City Government of Batac, the project aims to explore the potential commercial use of malunggay, enhance its economic value, provide an additional income to Ilokano farmers, and sustain a food secure province. (StratCom)