MMSU, PhilRice to feature Senator Imee Marcos in paddy art

Written by Administrator on 13 August 2024

By Shanell Jay Aguinaldo

 

In its seventh year of promoting agriculture and rice technologies in the region, MMSU and the Philippine Rice Research Institute - Batac launched this year’s ceremonial transplanting to feature the image of Senator Imee Marcos and her banner program ‘IMEEsolusyon’ today, August 12, at the MMSU Extension Demonstration Area.

 

The initiative aims to recognize exemplary individuals who contributed significantly to agriculture and nation-building. It showcases innovative rice production technologies and promotes agri-tourism in the province, reflecting the university's dedication to innovative farming.

 

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis expressed immense pride and joy in the initiative. “The rice paddy art and president’s farm project is a living canvas nurtured by the hands of our hard working farmers and stands as a vibrant tribute to the individuals who have dedicated their lives to advancing agricultural innovation in Ilocos Norte,” she said. Dr. Agrupis also focused on how the paddy art has enhanced MMSU’s visibility in the national and international scene.

 

Meanwhile, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, represented by Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos, shared that the rice paddy art “embodies the spirit of innovation and tradition that our province is proud of.” She also commended the collective efforts of the university’s faculty, students, local farmers, and members of PhilRice Batac for their dedication to preserving cultural heritage while promoting agricultural development.

 

Batac City Mayor Albert Chua, represented by Hon. Kichel Pungtilan, Sangguniang Panlungsod Member, emphasized the significance of the IMEESolusyon program in support of food security, farmers, and agriculture.

 

Dr. Arnold Juliano, Assistant Director of DA-PhilRice Batac, highlighted the importance of celebrating individuals who showed exemplary dedication in advancing the agricultural sector. He also emphasized how the rice paddy art reflects the very essence of their contributions.

 

Also present at the event were vice president for academic affairs Dr. Prima Fe Franco; vice president for planning and strategic foresight Dr. Virgilio Julius Manzano Jr.; vice president for administration, finance, and business Dr. Oscar Agpaoa; director of extension Dr. Marilou Lucas; director of research Dr. Dionisio Bucao; former MMSU president Dr. Santiago Obien; OIC Dean of CAFSD Dr. Charlie Batin; provincial agriculture head Engr. Theresa Bacnat, represented by Ms. Lorna Lubera; Ilocos Norte Research and Experiment Center Head Menardo Pablo; Mr. Neil Jonathan Bandong, Administrative Assistant II of DA-PhilRice Batac; Ms. Cynthia May Lapat, Science Research Specialist I of DA-PhilRice Batac; other officials and employees from the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, City Government of Batac; DA-PhilRice Batac, and MMSU students.

 

The rice paddy art is a gigantic work that uses the field as a canvas and different colors of rice plants as paint. It employs IR 1552, a traditional Korean purple variety, for the paint and NSIC Rc 222 (Tubigan 18) for the green canvas. 

 

Since 2018, MMSU and PhilRice have collaborated on the rice paddy art project. Past designs include former President Ferdinand E. Marcos and the MMSU ACHIEVE agenda; former First Lady and Second District Congresswoman Imelda R. Marcos; former MMSU president and PhilRice’s first executive director Dr. Santiago R. Obien; Don Mariano Marcos with 1978 as MMSU’s founding year; Father of the Philippine Army General Artemio Ricarte; and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with his ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ tagline.

 

#MMSU #MMSUACHIEVE #MMSURicePaddyArt2024 

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