MMSU-Research Directorate

19/08/2026

MMSU kicks off 2026 ILAARRDEC commodity reviews, presents 20 research papers

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) kicked off this year’s commodity review activities of the Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (ILAARRDEC), hosting the first leg on August 17–18, 2026, at the MMSU Center for Flexible Learning.

The two-day review covered the commodity clusters on Crops, Other Agri-food Condiments, and Non-Food and Industrial Crops; Forage and Livestock; and Forestry, Environment and Apiculture. It marked the opening of ILAARRDEC’s series of commodity reviews for 2026, which will cover eight commodity clusters scheduled on separate dates and hosted by designated Consortium Member Institutions (CMIs).

During the first commodity review, MMSU researchers presented 20 of the 35 research papers scheduled for presentation across the covered commodity areas. These included two papers on rice, corn, and root crops; six on garlic, onion, and other bulb crops; four on vegetables; three on forage and livestock; and five on forestry, environment, and apiculture.

The commodity reviews provide a venue for ILAARRDEC’s CMIs to present, evaluate, and review the results of their completed research and development initiatives. The activity also provides a platform to identify significant studies to be presented at the Regional Symposium on R&D Highlights (RSRDH) during the 4th Joint Research, Development, and Innovation Symposium.

MMSU experts were likewise tapped as evaluators during the review, including Ms. Noralyn Legaspi, chief of the MMSU Garlic Research Center; Dr. Joselito Rosario; Dr. Arlene Gonzales; Dr. Dionisio Bucao, ILAARRDEC Regional Research and Development Cluster (RRDC) Coordinator; and Dr. Nathaniel Alibuyog, ILAARRDEC Director and MMSU Vice President for Research, Development, and Innovation.

The activity was participated in by researchers and experts from MMSU and other ILAARRDEC CMIs, which include the Philippine Rice Research Institute–Batac, the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office I, the National To***co Administration, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, and Pangasinan State University.

As the host of the opening leg, MMSU provided the venue for the first of the eight commodity cluster reviews, setting in motion ILAARRDEC’s annual series of research evaluations and selections that will culminate in the identification of studies to be presented at the RSRDH.

📷 ILAARRDEC



https://research.mmsu.edu.ph/news/details/mmsu-kicks-off-2026-ilaarrdec-commodity-reviews-presents-20-research-papers

23/07/2026

23/07/2026

Propagation of local food species continues at the Research Directorate

16/07/2026

MMSU showcases 16 studies, wins best poster at 48th NAST scientific meeting

MMSU faculty and full-time researchers presented 16 scientific posters showcasing research results at the 48th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) of the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), with one MMSU entry winning the Best Scientific Poster Award in the Engineering category.

The annual event held on July 8-9, 2026, at the Manila Hotel featured 322 scientific posters from universities and other institutions across the country, categorized into various thematic areas. It carried the theme "UN SDGs: Science, Technology, and Innovation for Sustainable Development."

Dr. Roselle Y. Mamuad, a College of Engineering faculty member, received the award for her study titled "A kinetic and characterization study via the fluidized bed homogeneous granulation process of simultaneous removal and recovery of lead and zinc from simulated industrial wastewater."

MMSU researchers presented studies in agriculture and food security, climate resilience, environmental protection, health and biotechnology, engineering, materials development, and sustainable community livelihoods.

Congratulations to Dr. Mamuad and all MMSU researchers whose research qualified for poster presentation at the 48th NAST-ASM this year!

🔗 Read the full news story and learn more about the featured studies on the MMSU Research Directorate website https://research.mmsu.edu.ph/news/details/mmsu-showcases-16-studies-wins-best-poster-at-48th-nast-scientific-meeting

📷 https://www.facebook.com/dost.stii, MBVivit

15/07/2026

Warmest birthday greetings to our beloved MMSU President, Dr. Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr!

The Research Directorate honors your visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing a dynamic culture of research, innovation, and scholarly excellence throughout the University.

May your leadership continue to inspire us researchers to pursue meaningful discoveries and develop solutions that contribute to the progress of our communities and the nation.

May you be blessed with good health, happiness, and continued success as you lead MMSU toward greater achievements.

Happy birthday, Sir!

Greetings from your Research Directorate family.

01/07/2026

29/06/2026

MMSU trains LGUs and salt makers in GIS and science-based salt production practices

By: Marinique A. Guerrero

Mariano Marcos State (MMSU) University trained local government units and salt-making communities in GIS and science-based salt production practices during the three-day Capacity Building on GIS Utilization and Knowledge Sharing on Salt Production Practices program held on June 16-18, 2026, at the MMSU Coastal Engineering Research (CoastER) Center.

Conducted by the MMSU ASIN Project 1, the capacity-building activity aimed to strengthen local planning and decision-making through basic GIS training while sharing research-based salt production practices that can help improve productivity and support the revitalization of the local salt industry.

Participants included representatives from the provincial governments of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Occidental Mindoro, and Pangasinan, as well as delegates from Laoag City and the municipalities of Paoay, Pasuquin, and Burgos. Also present during the event are representatives of partner agencies - the Department of Science and Technology, Region 1 One ASIN project, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

Dr. Nathaniel R. Alibuyog, the MMSU VP for Research, Development, and Innovation and the ASIN Project Leader, underscored in his message during the opening program the project's role in improving local salt production through capacity building, technology transfer, and the promotion of best practices in saltern establishment and management. He also thanked the participants for their interest and commitment to supporting the salt industry by attending the event. He expressed optimism that the knowledge and skills acquired by participants would contribute to more sustainable, productive, and resilient salt-producing communities across the country.

The first two days focused on GIS utilization for local government participants. Sessions combined lectures and hands-on workshops on GIS concepts, suitability mapping, map preparation, spatial analysis, and data processing using QGIS. The training was designed to equip participants with practical tools for local planning, resource management, and evidence-based decision-making. The three-day workshop connected GIS-based planning with science-based salt production, providing public-sector participants and coastal communities with a common foundation for action.

For the salt-making sector, the workshop welcomed members of salt maker associations and communities from Pasuquin, Laoag City, Currimao, Paoay, and Badoc. Discussions covered the current status and challenges of the Philippine salt industry, the presentation of prototype saltern designs developed under ASIN Project 1, and the scientific and technical considerations for small- and large-scale salt farms.

Moreover, participants participated in hands-on demonstrations of small-scale salt production, enabling them to observe practical applications of the technologies and best practices discussed. This segment aimed to help local salt producers link scientific advice with their daily production experiences.

The training is part of the ongoing efforts of the ASIN Project 1, which promotes collaboration among academic institutions, government agencies, and local communities to develop a more sustainable and competitive salt industry in the Philippines.

ASIN project

https://research.mmsu.edu.ph/news/details/mmsu-trains-lgus-and-salt-makers-in-gis-and-science-based-salt-production-practices

20/06/2026

24/05/2026

MMSU concludes 2026 Agency In-House Research Review

The Research Directorate of Mariano Marcos State University successfully concluded the three-day 2026 Agency In-House Research Review (AIHRR) on May 22, 2026, at the Center for Flexible Learning.

The annual research review gathered faculty and full-time researchers from the different colleges and research centers of the university to present ongoing and completed research projects across various disciplines.

During the three-day activity, a total of 67 research projects were presented, of which 28 were completed studies, while the remaining were ongoing research.

Of the total presentations, 32 research projects were presented in Session 1, covering Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources, Climate Change and Environment, and Food, Health and Wellness. Meanwhile, 35 studies were presented under Session 2, which focused on Computer Science and Information Technology, Engineering and Industry, and Education, Science, Humanities, Culture and Arts.

The AIHRR serves as a platform for evaluating the progress, quality, and impact of research initiatives in the university while fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among researchers and experts.

Through the AIHRR, MMSU continues to strengthen its research culture and uphold its commitment to generating relevant and responsive research outputs that contribute to innovation and community development.

https://research.mmsu.edu.ph/news/details/mmsu-concludes-2026-agency-in-house-research-review