THE Occidental Mindoro State College will be the new base agency of the MIMAROPA Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium.

The move was made following the transfer of leadership last January 11 from the Mindoro State University at the former’s Agoncillo Conference Hall to the OMSC.

The college said the new challenge will be faced as running the MAARRDEC will now be at the helm of OMSC VP for Research Development and Extension and incoming Consortium Director Dr. Ronaldo Orpiano.

Last November, OMSc President Dr. Elber Clamor Edanio was elected as the new chairperson of the Regional Research and Development Coordinating Council, while Orpiano was elected as Consortium Director.

“With this opportunity, OMSC commits being the center hub that initiates sustainable developments in the sectors of agriculture, aquatics, and natural resources through collaborations with other consortium institution members,” the college said on Facebook.

The MAARRDEC is a research and development consortium under the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council of Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research Center which was founded on March 2019.

Its purpose is to help empower island communities through the adoption of developed technologies to enhance productivity and growth and empower partner institutions to address the needs of communities for sustainable development in MIMAROPA, according to DOST.