Cres Ian Lorenzo
BATAC CITY, Ilocos Norte — Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) has entered into a partnership with seven agribusiness companies to improve corn production in Ilocos Norte through technology demonstrations, research, and farmer training.
The memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed on Aug. 18 by MMSU and representatives from Corteva Agriscience Philippines, Advanta Seeds Philippines, Bayer Crop Science, Syngenta Philippines, CP Seeds Philippines, East-West Seed, and Enviro Scope Synergy.
Under the agreement, the parties will set up a technology demonstration area in the province. The site will be used to test production practices, evaluate inputs, and gather data that can inform recommendations for local growing conditions. It will also serve as a venue for field days and learning sessions for farmers, extension workers, students, and teachers.
The collaboration will implement the project “Improving Productivity through Academe–Industry Collaboration in Corn Production and Management System.” Planned activities include on-farm trials, studies on crop management, and training modules aimed at corn growers in Ilocos Norte.
MMSU President Virgilio Julius Manzano Jr. signed for the university. He said the partnership expands the institution’s capacity to deliver its mandate as a state university by linking academic resources with industry expertise. The university’s Extension Directorate, headed by Marlowe Aquino, will lead implementation on the MMSU side.
“Thank you, our dear partners. We count our official partnerships as added value for MMSU because it opens opportunities for us to fulfill our mandate as a state university in ways we would not be able to do as well on our own. I hope that we can truly functionalize our plans so that our stakeholders will ultimately benefit from this partnership,” Manzano said.
Nathaniel Alibuyog, MMSU Vice President for Research, Development and Innovation, said the university expects measurable outcomes from the collaboration. He added that the goal is to ensure the agreement translates into programs that reach farmers and students, rather than remain a formal document.
“As our university president has said, if done right, this partnership would benefit our stakeholders, our farmers, as well as our students. I hope that we will be able to make an impact with this partnership such that this MOA signing will not be merely ceremonial,” he said.
The seven companies will contribute technical support, materials, and expertise related to seed, crop protection, and production systems. For its part, MMSU will provide research facilities, extension networks, and linkages to farming communities in the province.
University officials described the initiative as an effort to equip Ilocos Norte corn producers with science-based practices that can be adapted to local farms. The demonstration area is expected to showcase improved varieties, nutrient management, pest control, and postharvest handling.
By combining university research and extension capabilities with private sector technology, the partners aim to increase productivity and provide farmers with options that fit provincial conditions.
MMSU said monitoring and evaluation will be built into the project to track adoption and results. Training activities are scheduled to follow the establishment of the demonstration site.
