By Joann Allas, Intern

It is fiesta time on campus. Vegetable products and food technologies are displayed today, November 22, at the Mariano Marcos State University - Student Center in an activity dubbed FIESTA (Farms and Industry Encounter through the Science and Technology Agenda).

Organized by the MMSU-led Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (ILAARRDEC), this year’s clustered FIESTA provides an open market of vegetables and food technologies for all interested buyers and adopters in the region. 

Themed “Strengthening Research, Extension, and Business on Indigenous and Lowland Vegetable Industry for a Better Normal," the Veggie FIESTA aims to increase people’s awareness on vegetable technologies and products which can be adopted by investors and other stakeholders. 

The event is conducted in collaboration with the Central Luzon Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (CLAARRDEC), Caraga Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (CCAARRD), and the Northern Mindanao Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (NOMCAARRD). It is supported by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD). 

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis, ILAARRDEC program chair Epifania Agustin, and regional research and development coordinating council (RRDCC) chairs Dr. Gregorio Rodis from CLAARRDEC, Dr. Rolyn Daguil from CCAARRD, and Dr. Jesus Antonio Derije from NOMCAARRD led the FIESTA opening through a ribbon cutting ceremony. Batac City Mayor Albert Chua and Atty. Juan Alfonso Jose, who represented Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, also graced the event. 

Dr. Agrupis, ILAARRDEC-RRDCC chair, welcomed the exhibitors and visitors, and thanked the DOST-PCAARRD for its full support to the event. She said the FIESTA is a bold stride toward championing science, technology and innovation in agriculture, aquatic and natural resources in the country. 

“As we showcase our products and technologies, and engage in meaningful discussions, we hope to establish stronger partnerships toward the village-scale production of primary commodities,” PSCA said. 

The FIESTA also involves a plenary session, a farmers’ forum and technology pitching, and various contests, including photography, digital poster making, haiku writing, Tiktok challenge, and cookfest. The event will run until tomorrow, November 23. (HLY/JVBT/DPTJ, StratCom)