To pay tribute to the man behind the name of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and as part of the continuing effort of the University to encourage the youth to pursue agriculture and agriculture-related courses to intensify efforts for the country’s food security and sustainability especially during this time of pandemic, the 4^th MMSU Rice Paddy Art was established recently. And yes, this year’s paddy art features Don Mariano Marcos, a symbol of resilience amid obstacles.

The establishment of the MMSU Rice Paddy Art is a collaboration between the University and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). Throughout the country, MMSU is the only SUC showcasing the rice paddy art. The establishment was conducted on August 19-20 through the joint efforts of PhilRice and the Research, Extension and Business Directorates including the CARES Project of the University. It is located in the 7,500 m² demonstration area situated north of the University Twin Gate. It overlooks the Ferdinand E. Marcos Hall that serves as the Administration Building of the University.

The paddy art is an annual agri-tourism and demonstration site of the University on the use of modern technologies in rice farming. It features 3D anamorphosis in designing the image that allows viewers to see the image from the certain angle. Two rice varieties were used that served as the 'paint's in this paddy canvas: IR 1552, a traditional purple rice variety and NSIC Rc 222, a high yielding rice variety. 

Getting to Know Mariano Marcos 

Don Mariano Marcos is a lawyer, educator, and politician in Ilocos Norte. And he is better known as the Father of then President Ferdinand E. Marcos.

In La Union, the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), established through PD 1778, was named after him. In Ilocos Norte, two important establishments were established in commemoration of his contributions: the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMH&MC). The MMSU, established through PD 1279, is the largest highest education institution in Ilocos Norte catering to learners from the province, including neighboring provinces and regions. The MMMH&MC, established through House Bill 1393, on the other hand, is the largest medical facility in the province that caters to patients from Ilocos Norte, including nearby provinces and regions.

The Town of Marcos is also dedicated to the late legislator. And in front of the FEM Hall of the MMSU is the Historical Marker dedicated to Mariano Marcos by the National Historical Commission.

The Rice Paddy Art

The project started last 2018. In time with the 101^st birthday of Former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, the paddy art was a tribute to the founder of MMSU and PhilRice. In time with the first year of administration of MMSU President, Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, the rice paddy art also featured the ACHIEVE Agenda of the University. In 2019, former Congresswoman of the second district of the province, Hon. Imelda R. Marcos, was the face featured for the second year of the paddy art. Other than being the First Lady of the country, Hon. Imelda Marcos was the woman behind the majestic façade of the MMSU.

Last 2020, the paddy art featured one of the significant pillars of the agriculture sector of the country, Dr. Santiago R. Obien. He was the Founding Director of the Philippine Rice Research Institute and the second President of the MMSU. Featured in this time of the pandemic, his image in an inspiration for a food secure and sustainable Philippines amid food crisis.

This year, Don Mariano Marcos is the man for the fourth year of the paddy art in the University as a tribute to the man the University is named after. The verdant MMSU 1978 marks the year of the establishment of MMSU by virtue of Presidential Decree 1279 on January 6, 1978.

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