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MMSU-PhilRice paddy art showcases ‘IMEEsolusyon!’

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City of Batac—The Mariano Marcos State University and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) unveiled this year’s rice paddy art featuring Senator Imee R. Marcos and her flagship program, "IMEEsolusyon!" on Sept. 11, 2024 at the MMSU Extension Demonstration Area.

As a former Ilocos Norte governor Norte and a champion of agricultural development, Marcos continues to lead initiatives supporting local farmers, promoting food security, and improving rural infrastructure. Her “IMEEsolusyon!” platform underscores her commitment to these crucial issues, vital to the country’s agricultural progress.

“I am deeply honored to be featured in this project. It not only celebrates my work but also pays tribute to the dedication of Filipino farmers and the future of agriculture,” Marcos remarked during the unveiling. She urged Ilocano farmers, particularly the youth, to join her in advocating for enhanced food security in the Philippines. “I would also like to commend MMSU for its continued excellence and pursuit of bioenergy and other technologies,” she added.

Earlier this year, on July 10, 2024, Marcos was awarded an  honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree in Rural Development by the MMSU Board of Regents during the university's 46th Commencement Exercises.

MMSU OIC-President Dr. Prima Fe Franco highlighted the project's significance, stating that it reflects the commitment of both MMSU and PhilRice to "boost rice productivity, inspire youth to pursue agriculture, and promote sustainable agri-ecotourism."

“The rice paddy art we see today is not just an artistic display but also represents the goals of the Department of Agriculture’s rice program,” she added.

In an interview, CHED Commissioner and former MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis said, “The paddy art not only honors Senator Imee’s unwavering support for farmers but also underscores the creative spirit driving our local farming communities. This remarkable display is a tribute to Senator Imee Marcos and reflects how education and agriculture must work hand-in-hand to create a better future for our farmers. At MMSU, we advocate for the integration of science, culture, and technology to benefit local communities, and this project is a testament to that vision.”

Dr. Mary Ann Baradi, OIC Director of DA-PhilRice Batac, provided an overview of the technology used to create the artwork. The paddy art was crafted by MMSU students using a blend of IR 1552, a purple rice variety from Korea, and NSIC Rc222 (Tubigan 18), forming a vibrant green backdrop.

This unveiling is part of the celebration of the 107th birth anniversary of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., a significant occasion observed as a non-working holiday in Ilocos Norte.

The event was attended by Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc, Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, along with several Ilocos Norte mayors, local government officials, members of the provincial board, PhilRice officials, MMSU administrative council members, students, and farmers from across the province.

Since 2018, MMSU and PhilRice have collaborated on the rice paddy art project, featuring designs of notable figures such as former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, the MMSU ACHIEVE agenda, former First Lady and Second District Congresswoman Imelda R. Marcos, as well as other prominent personalities including MMSU’s first president, Dr. Santiago R. Obien, Don Mariano Marcos, General Artemio Ricarte, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with his ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ campaign. (Shanell Jay Aguinaldo)

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