By Joycel Lagrio, STRATCOM Correspondent

A tribute to a Philippine higher education champion.

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), is set to feature Commission on Higher Education(CHED) Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis in its annual paddy art tribute.

Now in its eighth year of blending agriculture, art, and tribute, the ceremonial planting for Dr. Agrupis’ paddy portrait was held on July 7 at the Extension Demonstration Area near the MMSU Twin Gate at Batac Campus.

Highlighting Dr. Agrupis’ legacy in higher education, agricultural transformation, and her administration’s banner theme, Achieve 2017–2025, the paddy art showcases modern agricultural innovations such as the PalayCheck System, the Carrageenan Plant Growth Regulator (CPGR), and the use of two rice varieties: purple rice (IR 1552) and green rice (NSIC RC222).

About 50 Bachelor of Science in Agriculture students, along with extension, research, and PhiliRice, are serving as guides and transplanters. The unveiling of the paddy art is scheduled for August 14, 2025, with the harvest expected on October 10.

Among the attendees at the ceremonial transplanting were MMSU officials, Batac City Mayor Markee Chua, and representatives from DA-PhilRice Batac, the Department of Agriculture Research and Experiment Center, the National Tobacco Administration, PhilFIDA, the Philippine Carabao Center, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, and the City Government of Batac.

MMSU President Dr. Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. emphasized that while Dr. Agrupis has led the launching of the paddy art in previous years, it is now her turn to be honored.

“We are not doing this just to feature someone—we’re doing this because it creates impact. It attracts visitors, promotes research, and showcases innovation,” he said.

Dr. Marilou Lucas, MMSU Extension Director, also described the tribute as both a visual attraction and a statement of commitment to agri-tourism, research, and rice appreciation.

“The image of CHED Chair Agrupis will leave an impact that grows stronger over time. This is the eighth year of our wet season paddy art, and every season reflects both tradition and transformation,” she said.

Delivering a message on behalf of MMSU Vice President for Research, Development, and Innovation Nathaniel Alibuyog, Planning Director Marlowe Aquino, emphasized the paddy art’s significance to agriculture and innovation.

“It is a celebration of discipline, resiliency, creativity, and the Filipino farmer’s enduring spirit. The number eight symbolizes infinity, and through this art, we honor a legacy that will inspire generations,” Dr. Aquino remarked.

Ms. Bethzaida Catudan, DA-PhilRice Batac Assistant Branch Manager, representing Director Dr. Mary Ann Baradi, also lauded MMSU’s tribute to Ilokano leaders and visionaries.

“We thank MMSU for celebrating leadership and heritage through the paddy art — this year, featuring one of our own, Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis,” she said.

Before being appointed as CHED Chairperson, Dr. Agrupis served as a full-fledged professor and President of Mariano Marcos State University from 2017 to 2024.

Under her leadership, MMSU achieved both national and international recognition, earning a four-star rating in the prestigious Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Stars Rating System and being included in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. These milestones were accomplished through her seven-point development agenda known as ACHIEVE.

Since its launch in 2018, the paddy art project has paid tribute to several prominent figures, including former President Ferdinand E. Marcos alongside the MMSU Achieve Agenda; former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos; former MMSU President and first PhilRice Executive Director Dr. Santiago R. Obien; Don Mariano Marcos, highlighting MMSU’s founding year in 1978; General Artemio Ricarte, recognized as the Father of the Philippine Army; President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with his Bagong Pilipinas tagline; and Senator Imee Marcos.

#MMSU #SUCCEEDMMSU

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