MMSU Extension Directorate

04/09/2026

𝐌𝐌𝐒𝐔-𝐂𝐀𝐒 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 "𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐀𝐘 𝐢𝐭𝐢 𝐈𝐥𝐢" 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐥𝐢

𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑛 𝑏𝑦 𝐽𝑜𝑦 𝐷. 𝐴𝑐𝑑𝑎𝑛 (𝐾𝑃𝑆)

𝐵𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑛 𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑠 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐷𝑆𝑆 𝑃𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑇𝐴𝑅𝐼𝐵𝐴𝑌 𝑖𝑡𝑖 𝐼𝑙𝑖 𝑀𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑇𝑒𝑎𝑚, 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑀𝑠. 𝐵𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑎 𝐺. 𝑅𝑎𝑚𝑜𝑠, 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚 𝐿𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐷𝑟. 𝐵𝑟𝑦𝑎𝑛 𝑅. 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑔𝑜, 𝐶𝐴𝑆 𝐸𝑥𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐶𝑜𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), through the Department of Social Sciences (DSS) under the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), has launched a comprehensive extension program titled “PanagTARIBAY iti Ili: Technological Assistance in Revitalizing and Initiating Boundaries towards Yielding productivity, profitability and sustainability.” Designed as a multi-sectoral intervention, the program directly serves three partner barangays in Pinili, Ilocos Norte—Sacritan, Liliputen, and Lumbaan-Bicbica—to enhance local administrative capacity and foster long-term socio-economic resilience at the grassroots level.

The PanagTARIBAY iti Ili framework encompasses five specialized component projects tailored to address governance, mental health, administrative efficiency, and community development:

• AKEM (Advocacy on Knowledge Enhancement for Empowered Governance)

• PanagDAULO (Developing Adept and Upstanding Leaders and Officials in government and non-government organizations)

• TAG-AY (Training Assistance and Grassroots counseling approach to Alleviate psycho-social Barangay problems)

• TALEK (Training on theories and Applications of finance principles for LGU officials to establish Efficient system for Keeping records and financial management)

• UKRAD (Unlocking 4Ps Beneficiaries’ potential Knitting Wholistic Literacy)

Together, these initiatives provide targeted capacity-building for both elected and appointed barangay officials, equipping them with essential leadership and financial management skills to execute their duties effectively.

Beyond administrative empowerment, the program addresses complex socio-economic and psychological challenges faced by community members and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries. Through UKRAD and TAG-AY, participants receive holistic literacy training spanning core academic subjects, parenting strategies, personal finance, personality development, and mental health awareness.

Furthermore, the Department of Social Sciences is collaborating with local stakeholders to lay the groundwork for sustainable barangay-level enterprises and cooperatives. Through this integrated approach, MMSU reinforces its commitment to uplifting rural communities, driving public administration excellence, and advancing sustainable local development across Northern Luzon. - 0

04/09/2026

03/09/2026

Tech Tip:
Agubo Kadi ti Apon
ti Tarakenmo?

MALAKSID iti hypothermia (napalalo a panagpababa ti temperatura ti bagi) a mabalin a mamagsakit kadagiti taraken a dingo gapu iti pannakabaybay-ada a matudtuduan iti nakaipastoranda, adda pay dagiti sabsabali a mabalin a makaited iti samuyeng dagiti tarakentayo iti panawen ti tudtudo.

Ania dagitoy? Ammuentayo!

29/08/2026

28/08/2026

𝐌𝐌𝐒𝐔 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐀𝐅𝐒𝐃 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

𝑏𝑦 𝐽𝑜𝑦 𝐷. 𝐴𝑐𝑑𝑎𝑛

In line with MMSU's commitment to providing responsive and community-based extension services, and in response to the request of the Barangay Council of Barangay Aglipay for technical assistance in organic waste management and environmentally sustainable agricultural practices, the Extension Directorate, in collaboration with the College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development (CAFSD), conducted a two-day training on Vermicomposting and Organic Waste Management for Sustainable Community Farming on August 27–28, 2026, at the Community Center of Barangay Aglipay, Pinili, Ilocos Norte.

The training equipped 22 participants with practical knowledge and skills in vermicomposting and organic waste management. It emphasized converting locally available biodegradable materials into useful agricultural inputs and promoting sustainable farming practices in the community. Trainees included barangay officials and farmer-leaders from Brgy. Aglipay, Pinili, led by Barangay Captain Aldreds Lucero Edmalin.

Dr. Floramante C. Pastor, a faculty member at the MMSU CAFSD and Project Leader of the Bioorganic Fertilizer and Vegetable Project, served as the speaker in the lecture series. He shared his technical expertise on organic waste management, covering topics such as:

• An introduction to vermiculture and vermicomposting
• Organic materials suitable for vermicomposting
• Establishment and management of a vermicomposting facility
• Selection and management of composting earthworms
• Harvesting, processing, and utilization of vermicompost
• Strategies for promoting and sustaining vermicomposting in the community

As part of the two-day activity, participants visited the MMSU-CAFSD Vermicomposting Facility. Guided by Dr. Pastor, trainees gained firsthand experience operating production equipment—including an organic waste shredder, mechanical sieves, and processing machinery—and observed commercial-scale bed preparations for African Nightcrawlers (ANC).

Following the site visit, an action-planning session was held to help participants draft concrete strategies for establishing local vermicomposting facilities and integrating organic waste management practices in their barangay. The session was facilitated by Ms. Abegel Agonoy Joson, Chief of Technology Promotion and Demonstration Services (TPDS), alongside Barangay Captain Edmalin.

Dr. Marlowe Aquino, Director for Extension, emphasized the significance and economic potential of the initiative. He urged participants to convert abundant farm waste—such as chicken, cow, and cattle manure—into a sustainable, income-generating business. Dr. Aquino challenged the officials and participants to organize their team and put their learning into practice, noting that while many farmer groups across Ilocos Norte have received training, only a few have successfully transformed the practice into a commercial enterprise.

Furthermore, Dr. Aquino designated the group as a "Social Laboratory" for specialized extension interventions and assured them of MMSU's commitment to providing continuous technical assistance.

Barangay Captain Edmalin expressed his appreciation to MMSU for bringing the training directly to the community. He reminded his constituents to do their part, noting that if they succeed at the barangay level, other community members will replicate their success. He highlighted the transformative potential of vermicomposting to address local waste management challenges while creating economic opportunities. Urging them to take the program as seriously as their prior training in bamboo production and processing, he pointed to the commercial opportunities already built through the Bamboo Farmers Association. Driven by a vision to make their community a model for sustainable agriculture, Captain Edmalin shared his dream of leaving a meaningful legacy that continues to benefit community members long after his term ends.

Other training participants also shared their support and renewed commitment: 𝐌𝐫. 𝐑𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐟𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐢, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to build on his background, voicing optimism that the knowledge gained will be actively implemented in their community.

𝐌𝐫. 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐥 𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐨, a Barangay Kagawad, highlighted a shift from individual initiatives to a collective community vision. He emphasized turning agricultural waste—such as cattle manure previously deemed useless—into a valuable resource. Urging fellow participants to start small, work as a group, and share their knowledge, he expressed confidence that the project will boost both local barangay development and household livelihoods.

𝐌𝐬. 𝐃𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐥 reflected on the eye-opening experience of converting animal waste and dried foliage into productive organic material instead of burning or discarding them. She called on her peers to fully commit to applying these skills for the benefit of future generations.

The two-day training concluded with joint commitments from MMSU and barangay officials to continuously support the participants as they transition from learning to practical application. # #

28/08/2026

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1282787

LAOAG CITY – The establishment of climate-resilient food gardens is being promoted in Ilocos Norte as a practical way to strengthen household and community food security amid the increasing effects of climate change. Funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for…

27/08/2026

TECH TIP: Agaramat iti Pakalatkat

Adu ti maipaay a pagsayaatan ti panagaramat iti pakalatkat kadagiti mulatayo. Ania dagitoy?

- Umuna, suportaranna dagiti mula para iti nasayaat a panagdakkelda ken paannayasenna ti pannakaiwaras ti angin kadagiti mula.

- Maikadua, lapdanna ti pannakaidaldal dagiti bulong ken bunga dagiti nateng a mangitunda iti pannakalungsot gapu iti dam-eg ti daga kangrunaanna no kappadanum dagitoy.

- Maikatlo, nalaklaka ti pannakamanehar dagiti mula a kas iti panagpadanum, panaggaik, panagabono, panagisprey, ken panagburas.

- Maikapat, malapdan pay ti panagadu dagiti agdadael nga insekto ken sakit gapu iti nasayaat a panagrikus ti angin kadagiti mula.
Dagitoy ken ad-adu pay dagiti mabalin a maipaay dagiti pakalatkat kadagiti mulatayo, depende iti sitwasion ti lugar wenno talontayo.

No saankapay nga agar-aramat iti pakalatkat, ta mabalin nga awan ti oras, awan wenno bassit ti maaramat, ken dadduma pay a rason, orasnan tapno pakalatkatam dagiti mulam. Ta pudno, adu dagiti maipaayna a pagsayaatan, para kadagiti mula kasta met kenka nga agmulmula.

Ti panagpakalatkat ket maysa kadagiti interventions a mairekrekomenda kadagiti nadumaduma a programa ti Extension Directorate, iti pannarabay dagiti kabinnulig iti benneg ti Research Directorate ken CAFSD.

Dagiti naaramat a ladawan ket naala kadagiti programa ti MMSU kas iti panagmula iti off-season a kamatis kadagiti nadumaduma nga ili, ken dadduma pay a natnateng.

27/08/2026

The MMSU Extension Directorate is currently completing land preparation for a 4.5-hectare rice seed production project in partnership with the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice).

As an accredited seed producer, the Directorate maintains this sustained initiative to supply high-quality seeds to local rice farmers. The 4.5-hectare production area will be planted with four high-yielding rice varieties: NSIC Rc 594, NSIC Rc 480, NSIC Rc 216, and NSIC Rc 222.

Thorough land preparation serves as the foundation for maximizing crop yield. Through proper field preparation and a strong institutional partnership with DA-PhilRice, the Extension Directorate reaffirms its commitment to boosting local productivity and providing farmers with dependable access to registered and certified seed stocks.

27/08/2026

𝐌𝐌𝐒𝐔 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐥𝐢 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

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.

27/08/2026

𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟: Following the official launch of the project, “Establishing Food Gardens for Household Food Security and Community Resilience in the Ilocos” on June 22, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) has begun assessing local organizations to build resilient communities across Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur.

Funded by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) under its GALING PCAARRD Kontra Krisis (GPKK) Program, this 18-month joint effort between MMSU-Research Directorate’s MMSU Natural Resources Conservation & Management Center (NRCMC) and Extension Directorate aims to set up 30 climate-resilient food gardens and train at least 600 households in low-cost, science-based farming techniques.

Moving from planning to action, the project team recently visited prospective partner sites with the Mariposa Salt Makers Association in Burgos and the Salpad Protected Area and Watershed Association, Inc. in Brgy. Salpad, Pasuquin. The site visits were led by Dr. Menisa Antonio, project leader and chief of Technical Advisory and Consultancy Services at the MMSU Extension Directorate.

Next week, DOST-PCAARRD will hold an inception meeting and conduct a site visit to clarify agency roles and guide the rollout of these sustainable food production technologies.