By Kimberly S. Miguel
Correspondent

In support to the Balik-Probinsiya, Bagong Pag-asa Program of the Philippine government, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) has opened livelihood opportunities for the returning residents of Ilocos Norte. 

Twenty returning residents from the towns of Adams, Bacarra, Badoc, Currimao, Marcos, Piddig, Sarrat, Solsona, and the City of Batac have availed the MMSU project dubbed Development and Deployment of Agri-Fishery Enterprise Models/Modules for Balik-Probinsiya Program. 

Accompanied by their respective municipal/city agriculturists and agricultural technologists, the beneficiaries were oriented on the package of technology (POT) of their chosen venture and signed a memorandum of agreement at the University Function Hall last June 22.

Of the 20 beneficiaries, eight received the customized food cart with processing kits and startup ingredients; six were given goats and forages; and another six obtained native chickens with feeds. Information materials related to their chosen ventures will also be provided to them. 

Dr. Carmelo J. Esteban, MMSU’s vice president for research, extension, and business said through the project, the University and its partner-local government units are “making science with a heart work for the people.” 

University President Shirley C. Agrupis encouraged the beneficiaries to grow with the technologies that they will learn from the University and contribute to the development of their respective communities. (StratCom)