THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture’s Bureau of Agricultural Research awarded a P12.5 million grant to the Mariano Marcos State University to boost its research and development program.

The university said the fund will be used to implement three R&D projects.

“MMSU will soon implement the following R4D projects: Spatial Suitability and Field Verification Trial of Seaweed Farming Technologies in Ilocos Norte (P4.1 million); Establishment of Agri-Fisheries Technology Business Incubator in Mariano Marcos State University (P7.18 million); and Strengthening the Bamboo Production System in Ilocos Norte (P1.2 million),” MMSU said in a statement.

“In addition, the DA committed to provide P104.5 million to MMSU for its other developmental projects,” it added.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar handed the Certificates of Award to MMSU President Shirley Agrupis, Graduate School Dean Virgilio Julius Manzano, Jr., and the project leaders Prof. Joan Rarogal, Prof. Art Del Rosario, Prof. Constante Julian, and Dr. Charlie Batin.

Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos, Representative Angelo Marcos Barba, City of Batac Mayor Albert Chua, and other officials joined the ceremony.