Cagayan State University and the Local Government Unit of Gonzaga once again partnered in the implementation of an Extension and Community Service project funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) titled, ‘Science and Technology Community-Based Farm for Sustainable Lowland Vegetable Production in Cagayan Province.’
The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement was held on September 18, 2023. Present on behalf of Dr. Urdujah G. Alvarado, CSU President, was Prof. Josie Y. Bas-ong, CSU Director for Extension and TVET and the Project Leader. She was assisted by Dr. Froilan A. Pacris, Jr., Campus Executive Officer of the Gonzaga campus. Representing LGU-Gonzaga was the Municipal Town Executive herself, Hon. Marilyn Pentecostes.
Gracing the momentous signing of MOA were the witnesses from each party: Dr. Charisma Vivit, the Extension Coordinator of CSU-Gonzaga and Prof. Marvin Baloloy, Project Implementer and Mrs. Corazon A. Baclig, Municipal Agriculturist.
This project aims to promote wider and sustainable technologies to increase productivity of Science and Technology community-based, safe and quality lowland vegetable production technologies to increase productivity and profitability among lowland vegetable growing communities in Cagayan province.
With CSU-Gonzaga as one of the implementers, it shall be its role to oversee the overall implementation of the project from providing technical expertise and inputs to vegetable growers and processors association to the conduct of periodic monitoring, evaluation and documentation of the project’s activities.
LGU-Gonzaga, through its Municipal Agriculture Office, on the other hand, shall identify potential adopters of the project, assist in the dissemination of IEC materials, assist in the conduct of capacity building, and coordinate with beneficiaries from time to time to ensure participation and sustainability of the project.
CSU extends its thanks to the Municipal Mayor, the Vice Mayor and the Councilors in the Municipality of Gonzaga for saying yes to this partnership. Truly this understanding shall be beneficial to the lives of vegetable growers and associations in the community.
Photo credit: Prof. Edison Villena