Glowing Glocal – this sums the different products and technologies of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) showcased in the Locally Sourced X Partuat ti Kailokuan Trade Fair and Exhibit 2021 of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Blending global and local, MMSU forwards its science-based technologies generated through research initiatives such as the black garlic, yam delights, functional engineered bamboo (E-Kawayan), smoked fish from the award-winning multi-fuel dryer, and nipahol.

As a research institution, MMSU highlights science, technology, and innovation as pathway for faster countryside development. With this exhibit and trade fair, the University unites with the intents of the DTI in bringing natural resources and local products in the limelight to attract a bigger market and promote home-grown talents, ingenuity, and creativity.

S&T-based products 

From the diverse research initiatives and intellectual property support of the University, science-based products and technologies are now widely promoted through various promotional activities. Especially in this difficult time, these technologies and products are deemed relevant for commercialization and licensing agreements to fully utilize them.

MMSU’s Black Garlic. MMSU’s black garlic is a boost in the garlic industry of the province. Known to be the Black Diamond of the North, white garlic ages through Maillard reaction, a non-enzymatic browning process at controlled high temperature and moisture for a prolonged period of time. This process yields a higher nutrient and bioactive component and the enhancement of its antioxidant properties.  Aside from technology pitching, Ilocos Norte’s Black Garlic (INBG) is exhibited in various activities in the local, regional and national level for better awareness and bigger market potential.

Through studies, it was proven that INBG is loaded with antioxidant, boosts heart health, helps fight cancer growth, preserves cognitive function, increases immunity, stabilizes, blood sugar, and is high in fructan, a soluble fiber that helps clean the gut. It also contains Y-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a naturally occurring amino acid that work as a neurotransmitter in the brain. When GABA attaches to a protein in the brain known as the GABA receptor, it produces a calming effect which can help decrease feelings of anxiety, stress, and fear. INBG also contains Pyroglutamic acid, a natural brain-boosting nutrient fir a better mental health. It has memory-boosting capabilities, making it highly studied nutrient as possible cure for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Nipahol. In support to RA 9367 or the Biofuels Act of 2006, MMSU leads in bioethanol research and renewable energy. At the height of the CoVID-19 crisis, nipahol was formulated from MMSU’s 95% alcohol and made into 70% ethyl alcohol. Using the proprietary technologies of the National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center (NBERIC), nipahol was distributed to the public through MMSU Saranay Project against CoVID-19 Pandemic funded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). A nipa-based alcohol, this initiative also supports the nipa farmer-cooperators in Cagayan, generating them income amid the pandemic.

Yam Delights. These sweet delectable snacks are derived from kamangeg (Dioscorea luzonensis), an indigenous root crop in Northern Luzon. Pasensia, lenggua de cerda, and cookies are gluten-free snacks best for all ages. These are promoted in various trade fairs and exhibits to attract food processors into adopting their production and processing technology just like how the Taguiporo Paoay Lake Resort in Paoay, Ilocos Norte adopted the kamangeg cheesecake through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Technology Licensing Agreement (TLA). This research exploration on yam supports the national government’s program of mainstreaming indigenous food plants for food security and sustainability.

E-Kawayan. These are bamboo novelty items produced by the University through its Bamboo Processing facility as a showcase of bamboo’s flexibility for various products. MMSU pioneered in bamboo research, generating technologies such as the One-Node Cutting technology for bamboo production, Pole Per Year (PoPeYe) technology for bamboo rejuvenation and management, and E-Kawayan Processing for value adding. Products exhibited include cellphone holders, tissue holder, gift and jewelry boxes, foldable tables, magazine stand, book holder, glass trays, and other functional and home decorations.

Smoked Fish produced from Multi-fuel dryer. This award-winning utility model is a two-on-one device for drying fish, leaves (malunggay and tobacco leaves), grains, clothes, and other products. It uses multi-fuel such liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), electricity, and combustible material such as wood, charcoal, sawdust, rice hull, corn stalks, sugarcane stalks, coconut shell/husk or the like as an oven and a dryer. Along with the smoked fish which is also a recipe from the College of Industrial Technology (CIT), designer and creator of the multi-fuel dryer, Mr. Zaldy Hernandez of CIT, is on the road to promoting livelihood in farming and fishing areas of the province through the technology.

Forty-six micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) assisted by the DTI displayed their products in the Activity Area of the Robinsons Place Expansion Mall in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte. Since its opening this December 3, more and more community members and mall goers are expected to visit the kiosks until December 9, 2021. Products showcased in the exhibit area range from housewares and decors, wearable and fashion items, gifts and souvenirs, fresh and processed foods, wellness products, and many more.

“We join this celebration with the pure intent of showing our support to DTI and our local MSMEs especially our assisted entrepreneurs, and in promoting products and technologies from the University that our community stakeholders can adopt to become product-wise and market competitive”, MMSU President, Dr. Shirley Agrupis, shared in her visit to the exhibit.

Three MMSU-assisted entrepreneurs participated in the exhibit that includes SCUFYND Food Products owned and managed by Ms. Sarah Dabucon of Lagui-Sail, Laoag City, Lucky Theo’s Food Products owned and managed by Ms. Suerte Mia Soriano of Banna, Ilocos Norte; and Agnes Dragon Fruit Products owned and managed by Ms. Agnes Asuncion of Currimao, Ilocos Norte.

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