THE CENTRAL Luzon State University, through the Philippine Sino-Center for Agricultural Technology, received on April 19, a P3.5 million royalty from the Tao Foods Company, Inc. for the exclusive commercialization of Mestiso 82 rice variety.

M82 is a PhilSCAT-bred hybrid variety.

Tao Foods Company, Inc. President and CEO Laura Love P. Guevara acknowledged their essential partnership with CLSU in providing quality hybrid rice to Filipino farmers.

University President Edgar Orden thanked TFCI for investing in the commercialization of M82.

“This is another example of the successful Private and Public Partnership,” Orden said.

Present during the event were TFCI executives —Joseph Arlan C. Fajardo, business unit head; Ana Lovely Cordez, digital marketing assistant and Jane Camille Almasin, milled rice business manager.

From CLSU were Dr. Armando N. Espino, Jr., vice president for Research and Extension Program, Dr. Ariel G. Mactal, vice president for Business Affairs Program, Dr. Marvin Cinense, PhilSCAT director, Dr. Emmanuel V. Sicat, former PhilSCAT director and Dr. Carlos C. Abon, Jr., PhilSCAT consultant.