Published June 25, 2026 by Campus Information Office
Cagayan State University-Gonzaga, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 02 and the Local Government Units, formally soft-launched the TANIM+: Smart and Sustainable Tissue-Cultured Crops Advancement for Nutrition, Innovation and Market Development project on June 25 at the MABRIC Conference Hall.
The initiative aims to commercialize and upscale the production of tissue-culture-derived planting materials for various horticultural crops, providing farmers with high-quality, disease-free, and genetically superior planting materials while promoting sustainable agricultural development in the region.
The event was attended by university officials led by CSU President Dr. Arthur G. Ibanez, Vice President for Research, Development and Extension (RDE) Dr. Audy Quebral, and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Mariden Cauilan. Also present was former CSU President Dr. Urdujah G. Alvarado, who expressed her appreciation to the current CSU-Gonzaga administration for maximizing campus resources and expanding community services through innovative research, development, and extension programs.
The project is spearheaded by CSU-Gonzaga Chief Executive Officer Dr. Froilan A. Pacris, Jr., together with project proponents Dr. Jayrome Butay and Ms. Myraly L. Marcos. According to Ms. Marcos, TANIM+ serves as an enhanced horticultural crops initiative focused on increasing the availability and commercialization of tissue-cultured planting materials for priority crops.
Representing DOST Region 02 Regional Director Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera, Mr. Romeo Puyat, Senior Supervising Research Specialist, conveyed the agency’s support for the project. He commended CSU-Gonzaga for its efficiency and responsiveness in implementing DOST-funded initiatives and recognized the campus’s efforts in developing disease-free planting materials for priority crops such as Lakatan banana, potato, and sweet potato.
Support for the initiative was likewise demonstrated by partner local government units through the presence of Municipal Agriculture Officers from Gonzaga, Sta. Teresita, Sta. Ana, and Baggao. Also in attendance were members of the Mt. Cagua Agrarian Reform Cooperative, one of the project's identified beneficiaries.
In his remarks, Dr. Pacris acknowledged Dr. Alvarado's contributions to the growth and development of CSU-Gonzaga, noting that many of the campus’s major projects now in use were established under her leadership and resourcefulness.
Meanwhile, Dr. Quebral lauded the campus for pursuing another research and development initiative in partnership with DOST, emphasizing its potential to create lasting benefits for local communities and agricultural stakeholders.
Dr. Ibanez likewise commended the project, highlighting its role in advancing innovation and extending the university’s services beyond the campus through science-based solutions that directly address community needs.
The activity concluded with a ceremonial signing of commitments by CSU, DOST, local government units, and partner stakeholders, symbolizing their collective commitment to the successful implementation of TANIM+ and its vision of promoting sustainable, technology-driven agriculture in Cagayan and neighboring communities.
Photos: Ms. Jean S. Torres, CICS Faculty Member