MMSU-Extension participates in ILAARDEC-PCAARRD’s First Bamboo-Seaweeds FIESTA atbp.

Written by Administrator on 04 December 2017

The Extension Directorate actively participated as exhibitor in the recently concluded 29th Regional Symposium on R & D Highlights cum Bamboo-Seaweeds FIESTA at Iba Pa of the Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, and Resources Research and Development Consortium (ILAARRDEC) on November 27-29, 2017 at the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) Teatro, Ilocandia. 

The ribbon cutting of the first Bamboo-Seaweeds FIESTA at Iba Pa was spearheaded by the University president, Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, Dr. Fiorello B. Abenes, the Manager of the Faculty and Institutional Development of USAID-STRIDE as the keynote speaker, Dr. Stanley C. Malab, former ILAARRDEC Director and dubbed as the Bamboo King, representatives of the different ILAARRDEC member agencies, faculty, students and staff of MMSU, and all other visitors and guests from different provinces.

In the Techno-Forum, Dr. Aris Reynold Cajigal, the Extension Director said that “This bamboo-seaweeds activity is an avenue of sharing the viability of knowledge to income-generation”, during his opening remarks. With FIESTA meaning Farms & Industry Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda, the activity denote the transformational impact of research and innovation in different farming and coastal communities. Students and visitors flocked in the different booths occupied by different agencies and units such as the MMSU-Extension, PhilRice, Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), National Tobacco Administration (NTA), ILAARRDEC, Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office-1 (DA-RFO 1), the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), University of Northern Philippines (UNP), Agricultural Training Center (ATI), Philippine Carabao Centre (PCC), and others.

With the theme “Strengthening the Bamboo and Seaweeds Industries for AmBisyon Natin 2040”, the three-day MMSU Booth is an exhibit of the different extension activities and assistance provided by the university to all its stakeholders. Through the products of the assisted beneficiaries, extension works provided materialized in a plausible form of development.

Seaweed miki noodles and kroepeck of Burgos, seaweed kroepeck of the La Virgen Milagrosa Seaweed Producer’s Association, MMSU-CASAT’s polvoron and miki noodles were emphasized in the activity for their seaweed-based products. Banana chips, camote chips, and taro chips as well as chichacorn and peanut products of Ms. Mia Suerte Soriano from Banna, Ilocos Norte, rice coffee products of Ms. Sarah Dabucon with her new products, the turmeric and the 3-in-1 rice coffee mix, Yam Products such as camangeg pacencia, cookies, and lenggua of the women’s organization in Banna, bugnay wine from Adams, Dragon Fruit wine of Ms. Agnes Asuncion of Currimao, dragon fruit wine of REFMAD Farm in Burgos, Healtika vinegar, and MMSU’s Sukang Iloco were also displayed in the booth.

IEC materials covering different topics were also displayed and distributed to students and visitors. Topics include bamboo propagation, seaweed farming and processing, seaweed processing techniques, garlic production and proper storage, tomato production and processing, squash production, bugnay production, sugarcane production, ginger production, dragon cactus production and processing, use of UMMD as food supplement for goats and sheep, as well as health campaign materials on asthma. To promote the new products and to encourage the participants to be their own owners and managers of their dream enterprise, a free tasting area was also included in the booth, luring visitors with rice coffee’s exquisite taste anytime of the day as well as the curious tongues of the students.

The second day of the gathering highlighted a techno-forum on bamboo and a techno-forum cum demonstration on seaweeds. Mr. Gregorio Santos, Jr. presented the Local and International Markets for Bamboo while the Entrepreneurial Potentials of Bamboo: A Testimony was given by the President of La Union Bamboo farmer’s Association, Mr. Jeremias Munar. In the afternoon, Diversified Seaweed Production Technology: A promising investment for fisherfolks was given by Dr. Nicomedes Domenden of the BFAR- RO1, preparing the participants for a technology-demonstration. Seaweed Production was presented by Ms. Amanda Galang of BFAR, Gracilaria Seaweed Noodles by Prof. Aurora P. Afalla, Gracilaria Seaweed Chips by Ms. Edna S. Aloot, and the Seaweed Fertilizer by Mr. Enone V. Tepait.

A testimonial on the impact of seaweed farming and processing was likewise shared by Ms. Saly Dinong of the La Virgen Milagrosa Seaweed Producer’s Association in Badoc, Ilocos Norte. “Based on our experience, it is not only for household consumption but it can also be processed into other products such as candies, pickles, as well as pastillas already available in the market… It has greatly helped us not only as food serving our households but also in providing for the education of our children”, she said during her testimonial.

To showcase the innovativeness and artistry of people in the use of bamboo, a Gawang Kawayan contest was also administered in the MMSU Covered Court for bamboo novelty items. Likewise, a cookfest was conducted in showcasing the different dishes made out of seaweeds.

The convergence has become another ground to encourage the young minds and willful hearts in transforming communities through research and extension coupled with innovation and resourcefulness. With individual ability dedicated to collective and inclusive growth, progress is but a will away. As Dr. Cajigal moves hearts and hands in achieving together while working shoulder-to-shoulder, “Let us be like the bamboo: it is resilient. Let us also be like the seaweeds: peacefully and patiently dancing with the waves of the ocean. Let us peacefully and patiently yet resiliently dance with the struggles and difficulties waving in our lives…”.

Other Latest News
  • MMSU Extension Directorate conducts proposal review

    MAR 12, 2024

    As part of its continuing drive to implement quality extension programs and projects to benefit various communities in the province, the MMSU-Extension Directorate conducts a two-day presentation of the 2024 extension programs, projects, and activities.  The presentation is attended by 30 compo... [view more]
  • MMSU ties up with PNHS for GS extension project

    FEB 07, 2024

    By Crisdeniele H. ClementeThe Mariano Marcos State University Graduate School (MMSU-GS) sealed agreements with Paoay National High School (PNHS) on January 26 for the extension project of the Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics, Master of Arts in English Language and Literature, and Master in Inform... [view more]
  • MMSU employees, units recognized in PRAISE Awards 2024

    FEB 05, 2024

    By Rommel Q. Pascua, StratCom CorrespondentThe Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) recognized the exceptional achievements of its esteemed faculty and staff in this year’s Program on Awards and Incentive for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Awards.Over 200 awardees across individual and group ca... [view more]
  • Jollibee group ties up with MMSU for agri-entrepreneurship program

    DEC 18, 2023

    By Crisdeniele H. ClementeThe Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) Inc. has partnered with Mariano Marcos State University for the Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP) meant to empower smallholder farmers and foster sustainable agro-enterprises.The partnership was formalized at the Center for Flexible L... [view more]
  • MMSU-ED conducts 3rd batch of Training on Oyster Mushroom Production

    NOV 16, 2023

    In response to the increasing number of community members requesting for training on oyster mushroom production, the MMSU-Extension Directorate conducted another training on November 9-10, 2023 at the MMSU-UBRC. This is now the third batch of training conducted this year.Thirty-one members of variou... [view more]