by Joyce Lagrio

To promote the various information and technology services of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), the University through its Extension Directorate office once again joined the Lakbay Palay organized by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Batac branch.  This year’s theme is “Bida ang Sama-Sama para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas.”  The activity was conducted on October 17-18, 2024, at DA-PhilRice Batac participated by various stakeholders in Region 1.

The Lakbay Palay serves as a platform for key stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including farmers, researchers, extension workers, and students to explore the latest advancements in rice farming technologies. 

As part of MMSU’s promotional activities, Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials covering agriculture, fisheries, livestock, and other related topics were distributed during the activity.

In addition, products developed by MMSU and those produced by the Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) and other MMSU-assisted beneficiaries were also exhibited and sold. 

Ms. Agnes Asuncion of Currimao, Ilocos Norte showcased her freshly harvested dragon fruit. Ms. Bernadette Adones of the City of Batac, owner of the Adones Integrated Farm also exhibited and sold her lemongrass juice. 

Other exhibitors that participated in the Lakbay Palay were Partuat ti Kailokuan Marketing Cooperative, Laoag City Balatong Bamboo Weaving Association, National Tobacco Administration, Philippine Carabao Center, farmers’ and cooperatives assisted by PhilRice, including partner agricultural companies. 

The Lakbay Palay highlighted PhilRice’s significant contributions to Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas, showcasing the varieties of rice which include seven inbred varieties (NSIC Rc 604, Rc 622, Rc 624, Rc 626, Rc 630, Rc 222, Rc 596), and eight hybrid varieties (Rc 486H, Rc 72H, Rc 204H, Rc 446H, Rc 544H, Rc 490H, and Rc 666H). 

Farm machinery, including the riding-type leveler, mechanical rice transplanter, drum seeder, multi-purpose seeder, solar-powered irrigation system, and low-cost bamboo-bin dryer, was also showcased to improve the productivity, profitability, and well-being of the rice-farming communities.

• 11 Onion FArmers Attend Training on WINS

  NOV 19, 2024

  by Joycel LagrioTo help smallholder farmers improve their productivity and reduce significant loss on weather-related risks and costs in onion production, a training on Jollibee Group Foundation's Weather Information Notification System (WINS) was conducted today, Nov. 19, 2024, at the Municipa... [view more]
• MMSU-assisted LGUs reap awards in regional summit

  OCT 16, 2024

  By Frances Batara, StratCom Correspondent Ilocos Norte local government units (LGUs) assisted by the MMSU Extension Directorate, received awards at the Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Stakeholders Forum and Techno Gabay Program Summit held on October 10-11 at the Sison Auditorium in Lingaye... [view more]
• ATI-RTC 1 recognizes MMSU-based ILAARRDEC’s support in agri-fishery development

  OCT 11, 2024

  By Jesslyn Keith Valite The Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center 1 (ATI-RTC 1) recognized MMSU and the MMSU-based Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic Resources Research and Development Consortium (ILAARRDEC) for their contributions to agri-fishery development in the region during... [view more]
• MMSU shares improved Honey Corn technology to farmers

  OCT 05, 2024

  By Daniel Tapaoan, Jr., StratCom CorrespondentTo boost the corn industry in Ilocos Norte, the university shared its MMSU Glut 1 or the Improved Honey Corn technology to farmers on September 27 in Brgy. San Andres, Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. Led by faculty-extensionists from the MMSU College of Agric... [view more]
• NRCP awardees inspire MMSU students at iSHARE Season 4

  SEP 20, 2024

  By Jareason Fabre  MMSU students were encouraged to pursue careers in science and technology as the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP), in collaboration with MMSU, featured inspiring stories from NRCP Achievement Awardees during iSHARE: Stories of Inspiration Season 4, Epi... [view more]