MMSU GS and LGU Dingras hold initial meeting on Social Laboratory

Written by Administrator on 26 November 2025

By Joycel Lagrio, STRATCOM Correspondent


An initial meeting between the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) Graduate School, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Dingras, and the MMSU Extension Directorate discussed the establishment of the Social Laboratory for Professional Education and Rural Development on November 24 at the Municipal Mayor’s Office.


The first of its kind in MMSU and among the agricultural municipalities of Ilocos Norte, the initiative positions Dingras as the pioneering municipality to host a Social Laboratory designed to support people-centered development, deepen community engagement, and promote innovation-driven local governance.


During the meeting, the Social Laboratory was introduced as a collaborative and experimental environment for diverse sectors to address complex social issues through co-creation and real-world prototyping. Ultimately, it seeks to strengthen change initiatives, support investments in local development efforts, reduce technology-related costs, and promote socially innovative programs.


Through this partnership, MMSU Graduate School and LGU Dingras commit to co-owning and co-implementing long-term rural development undertakings.


Mayor Joemelle Ernesti Saguid–Go Sy expressed her appreciation for the emerging partnership and highlighted that Dingras has developed both food and non-food rice-based product formulations under the One Town, One Product (OTOP) program. MMSU expressed strong support for these homegrown innovations, particularly those aligned with rice-based product development.


Dr. Marlowe Aquino, Director for Extension, conveyed optimism for the partnership, saying, “We are excited that Dingras will be the first to open its doors to the Social Laboratory Development-oriented and Community-based Initiative for the graduate program on rural development and renewable energy development.”


Key milestones identified during the meeting include the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Agreement (MOA) between MMSU and LGU Dingras toward the end of 2025; the formal launching of the Social Laboratory initiative in early 2026; and the unveiling of the OTOP rice-based products during Parambak 2026 on MMSU’s 48th Foundation Anniversary.


The meeting was attended by Dr. Sosima R. Demandante, Program Coordinator for MS & PhD Rural Development; Dr. Susan Aquino, Affiliate Faculty, RD & Education Program Specialist II under the Research Directorate; and Engr. Cornelio Balbesino, Municipal Agriculturist of Dingras.


The initiatives set to be fulfilled by MMSU and LGU Dingras attest to the university’s goal for people-centered development and deepened community engagement.



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