In support to the Balik-Probinsiya, Bagong Pag-asa Program of the government, MMSU opens food processing and livestock raising opportunities for interested returning residents from abroad and other regions in the country. 

Twenty individuals from the municipalities of Sarrat, Solsona, Marcos, Adams, Bacarra, Pasuquin, Currimao, Badoc, Piddig, and the City of Batac availed the project, Development and Deployment of Agri-Fishery Enterprise Models/Modules for Balik-Probinsiya Program. 

Today, June 22, these residents joined the Technology Briefing at the University Function Hall for the briefing of the package of technology in their chosen venture, the distribution of their livelihood starter kits, and signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). 

Of this number, eight availed the technologies for food processing, six for native chicken raising, and six for goat breeding. The beneficiaries were accompanied by their respective Municipal/City Agriculturist and Agricultural Technologists. 

In the ceremonial distribution of inputs with the President, VPREB, and the Director of Extension, beneficiaries for food processing received a customized food cart complete with processing kits and start-up ingredients, the goat breeding beneficiaries with two goats and forages, and the native chicken raisers with eight families of native chicken complete with feeds. IEC materials appropriate to their ventures will also be provided. 

In the message of VPREB Carmelo Esteban, he shared that 'Ilokanos are nasaldet, nagaget, naagawa but because of the pandemic, we live the values of cooperation and unity in order to survive', hence this project is an aid from the government through the MMSU and partner LGUs to help 'make science with a heart' work for the people. 

President Shirley Agrupis also encouraged them to be the mirror image of MMSU in their respective communities. With the 'people first' principle of the University, she enjoined everyone to grow with the technologies of the University, and contribute to the growth and development of the Ilocos. 

The project, Development and Deployment of Agri-Fishery Enterprise Models/Modules supports the EO No. 114 that institutionalized the Balik-Probinsiya, Bagong Pag-asa Program as a pillar of balanced regional development. This project aims to develop the working force of Ilocos Norte to become productive, informed, and empowered members to the community with specific support to returning residents to Ilocos from abroad and other parts of the country. 

With this development project initiated by the VPREB with the full support of the President, MMSU is closer in indulging all its stakeholders for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

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