MMSU study on indigenous food plants in Ilocos Norte is a chapter of SEARCA’s new publication virtually launched this February 27.

The paper titled "Research-based Policy Formulation for the Sustainable Utilization and Promotion of IFPs in Region 1 Philippines" is Chapter 6 of the book, Methodologies Supportive of Sustainable Development in Agriculture and Natural Resources Management: Selected Cases in Southeast Asia.

Researcher of the study include Ms. Menisa A. Antonio, Engr. Rodel T. Utrera, Dr. Epifania O. Agustin, Mr. Dionisio L. Jamias, and Ms. Araceli J. Badar of the MMSU Research Directorate. The study focused on the documentation and characterization of indigenous edible species in the seven upland and remote municipalities of Ilocos Norte, with the goal of promoting their conservation and sustainable utilization.

In the critical introduction of the book by Dr. Inocencio E. Buot, Jr, the editor and brainchild of the publication,

“Their research results have served as critical inputs in policy formulation, particularly the passing and approval of Regional Development Council (RDC) Resolution No. 7 S. 2017 through the RDC Region I Research-Based Policy Recommendation Process, intensifying the implementation of the policy recommendations of the research by the identified stakeholders. This work is very supportive of SDG 2 as mentioned above. Additionally, it is supportive of SDG 15 (Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss). The authors show how policy helps in preventing biodiversity deterioration and extinction”. 

The study is part of the second category of the book, the methodologies supportive of sustainable development in natural resources management. The book was launched by the Regional SEARCA Alumni Association, its first collaborative publication project among scholars across Southeast Asia, with support from SEARCA and the University of the Philippines Los Baños, as well as other academic institutions in the region with which the authors are affiliated.

Digital copy of the book can be downloaded for free at https://bit.ly/2OG9Ji1. 

More details at https://www.searca.org/news/searca-alumni-unviel-first-collaborative-book

• NBERIC webinar opens with biomass session

  MAY 07, 2025

  By Joycel Lagrio, STRATCOM CorrespondentThe Mariano Marcos State University-National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center (NBERIC) launched its bioenergy webinar series, Straight Direct Talks, with an opening session on biomass held via Zoom on April 29.Dr. Aymerick Eudes, a scientist from the L... [view more]
• “Buttered Chicken with Garlic White Sauce” impresses judges at 2025 Garlic Festival

  MAY 07, 2025

  By Joycel Lagrio, STRATCOM CorrespondentMrs. Precious Jamorabon, a 34-year-old entrepreneur from Burgos, Ilocos Norte, clinched the top prize in the women’s category of the Garlic Masters – A Culinary Clash at the Garlic Festival 2025, held on April 10 to 11 at the MMSU Student Center in... [view more]
• MMSU, PGIN reignite pride in Ilocos garlic through festival comeback

  APR 26, 2025

  By Joycel Lagrio, STRATCOM CorrespondentReigniting pride in Ilocos garlic, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), brought back the Garlic Festival on April 10-11 at the MMSU Student Center.With the theme “Innovating the Fut... [view more]
• MMSU GS holds gender sensitivity training for Badoc teachers

  APR 22, 2025

  By Joycel Lagrio, STRATCOM CorrespondentAs part of its extension program on empowering and upgrading basic education teachers’ competencies and innovativeness, the MMSU Graduate School organized a gender-sensitivity training workshop on April 4 at Caraitan Integrated School (CIS) in Badoc.Dubb... [view more]
• MMSU conducts 2024 Extension Projects Review

  APR 07, 2025

  By Joycel Lagrio, STRATCOM CorrespondentThe MMSU Extension Directorate held the 2024 Extension Projects Review on March 21 at the ILAARRDEC One-Stop Information Shop at the Crops Research Laboratory to assess the progress and impact of the university’s completed extension programs.Presenters i... [view more]