PINILI, ILOCOS NORTE — The Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) Extension Directorate, through its Technology Promotion and Demonstration Services (TPDS), officially opened the two-day training on Vermicomposting: From Organic Waste to Quality Vermicompost, held from August 27 to 28, 2026, at the Barangay Covered Court of Brgy. Aglipay, Pinili, Ilocos Norte.

In the opening program, Ms. Abegel Joson, Chief of TPDS, presented the rationale of the training, emphasizing the importance of sustainable agriculture and converting local waste into high-value organic fertilizer.

Delivering an inspirational message on behalf of Honorable Rommel T. Labasan, Municipal Mayor of Pinili, Mr. Philip Galang, the Municipal Agriculturist, urged participants to actively practice what they learned and share the vermicomposting technology with fellow barangay residents to expand community-wide adoption.

Dr. Floramante C. Pastor, faculty member at the MMSU College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development (CAFSD) and Chief of the MMSU Vermicomposting Facility, led the lecture series, sharing technical expertise on organic waste management, worm culture, and nutrient management.

As part of the two-day hands-on experience, participants will visit the MMSU-CAFSD Vermicomposting Facility tomorrow, August 28, to observe actual production processes, facility setups, and large-scale operational techniques.

Additionally, participants received Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials on organic fertilizer production and vermicomposting to complement the training.

To recall, Brgy. Aglipay, led by Barangay Captain Aldreds Lucero Edmalin, was also a recipient of the MMSU Extension Directorate’s training on "Bamboo Production and Management for Sustainable Livelihoods" in September 2025, which led to the establishment of a bambusetum and a bamboo nursery.

The Extension Directorate—led by its Director, Dr. Marlowe Aquino, with strong support from the Vice President for Research, Development, and Innovation, Dr. Nathaniel R. Alibuyog, and University President Dr. Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr.—will continue to partner with communities and various stakeholders through its Comprehensive Community Service under the SUCCEED Agenda.

Interested community members who wish to avail of training and other extension services may send a letter to MMSU, addressed to the University President through the Director of Extension.

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