IMEEsolusyon! Senator Imee Marcos featured on MMSU-PhilRice paddy art
Written by Administrator on 11 September 2024
By Shanell Jay Aguinaldo
Mariano Marcos State University and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) unveiled this year’s rice paddy art featuring Senator Imee Marcos and her flagship program, "IMEEsolusyon!" today, September 11, at the MMSU Extension Demonstration Area.
As a former governor of Ilocos Norte and a champion of agricultural development, Senator Marcos has led initiatives supporting local farmers, promoting food security, and improving rural infrastructure. Her IMEEsolusyon! platform underscores her commitment to these crucial issues, vital to the country’s agricultural progress.
“I am deeply honored to be featured in this project. It not only celebrates my work but also pays tribute to the dedication of Filipino farmers and the future of agriculture,” Senator Marcos remarked during the unveiling. She urged Ilocano farmers, particularly the youth, to join her in advocating for enhanced food security in the Philippines. “I would also like to commend MMSU for its continued excellence and pursuit of bioenergy and other technologies,” she added.
Earlier this year, on July 10, 2024, Senator Marcos was awarded an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree in Rural Development by the MMSU Board of Regents during the university's 46th Commencement Exercises.
MMSU OIC President Dr. Prima Fe Franco highlighted the project's significance, stating that it reflects the commitment of both MMSU and PhilRice to "boost rice productivity, inspire youth to pursue agriculture, and promote sustainable agri-ecotourism."
“The rice paddy art we see today is not just an artistic display but also represents the goals of the Department of Agriculture’s rice program,” she added.
In an interview, CHED Commissioner and former MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis said, “The paddy art not only honors Senator Imee’s unwavering support for farmers but also underscores the creative spirit driving our local farming communities. This remarkable display is a tribute to Senator Imee Marcos and reflects how education and agriculture must work hand-in-hand to create a better future for our farmers. At MMSU, we advocate for the integration of science, culture, and technology to benefit local communities, and this project is a testament to that vision.”
Dr. Mary Ann Baradi, OIC Director of DA-PhilRice Batac, provided an overview of the technology used to create the artwork. The paddy art was crafted by MMSU students using a blend of IR 1552, a purple rice variety from Korea, and NSIC Rc222 (Tubigan 18), forming a vibrant green backdrop.
This unveiling is part of the celebration of the 107th birth anniversary of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., a significant occasion observed as a non-working holiday in Ilocos Norte.
The event was attended by Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, along with Ilocos Norte mayors, local government officials, members of the provincial board, PhilRice officials, MMSU administrative council members, students, and farmers from across the province.
Since 2018, MMSU and PhilRice have collaborated on the rice paddy art project, featuring designs of notable figures such as former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, the MMSU ACHIEVE agenda, former First Lady and Second District Congresswoman Imelda R. Marcos, as well as other prominent personalities including MMSU’s first president, Dr. Santiago R. Obien, Don Mariano Marcos, General Artemio Ricarte, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with his ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ campaign.
Other Latest News
-
Bacarra Zanjera renews agreement with MMSU for improved garlic processing
SEP 09, 2024
By Jesslyn Keith Valite To improve garlic production in the North, MMSU and the Bacarra Zanjera Irrigators Multipurpose Cooperative (BZIMPC) renewed their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) today, September 9 at FEM hall. The agreement aimed at ensuring a co... [view more] -
MMSU hosts technology briefing on off-season tomato production for farmers
AUG 31, 2024
By Shanell Jay Aguinaldo To support local farmers in improving their tomato yield, MMSU held a technology briefing on off-season tomato production on August 30 at ILAARRDEC-OSIS. The event drew 35 farmers from Burgos, Pasuquin, Vintar, Sarrat, Badoc, and Pinili, along with several agricultural... [view more] -
MMSU, PhilRice to feature Senator Imee Marcos in paddy art
AUG 13, 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 ‘IMEEso... [view more] -
MMSU partners with LGU Sarrat to strengthen agricultural development for farmers
AUG 02, 2024
By Frances Batara, Stratcom CorrespondentTo promote and extend its agricultural and natural resources, MMSU College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development (CAFSD) formalized its partnership with the Local Government Unit of Sarrat through a ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreemen... [view more] -
MMSU and PCC conduct an Advocacy Campaign on Competition Laws and Policies
JUL 26, 2024
To create awareness and capacitate various stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and skills in identifying the benefits of market competition, the Philippine Competition Commission’s role in implementing the Philippine Competition Act (PCA) and National Competition Policy, prohibited busin... [view more]