CSU AND DMMMSU FORGE PARTNERSHIP FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN CAGAYAN VALLEY: APIARY, SERICULTURE, AND SALT PRODUCTION INITIATIVES LAUNCHED

Cagayan State University and Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) have recently signed three memoranda of understanding (MOU) aimed at furthering the development of various projects in the province of Cagayan. The MOUs were signed by DMMMSU President Dr. Jaime I. Manuel and CSU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Arthur G. Ibanez.

The first MOU focuses on the establishment of an apiary or beekeeping facility in the university. CSU is designated as the Regional Apiculture Satellite Center of Region 2 and will work in collaboration with DMMMSU’s National Apiculture Research Training and Development Institute (NARTDI). An apiary has already been established by CSU in Sanchez Mira, with plans to expand to CSU Lallo to support coffee production on campus.

In addition to the apiary project, CSU and DMMMSU will also collaborate on a sericulture project through silkworm rearing. This project, in partnership with DMMSU- Sericulture Research and Development Institute (SRDI), aims to establish a sericulture project in CSU and provide an alternative source of income for farmers in the province aside from its RDE potential.

The third MOU signed between the two universities focuses on salt production in the province. CSU will serve as a learning service provider for fisherfolks and other individuals and organizations in Region 2. The Gonzaga campus of CSU has been assigned by OIC Ibanez to focus on sericulture, while the Aparri campus on salt production.

The OIC expressed his anticipation about the partnership between CSU and DMMMSU, stating that these projects have the potential to significantly benefit the province of Cagayan and its residents. He highlighted the importance of diversifying income sources for farmers and the potential impact of these projects on the local economy.

Overall, the signing of these MOUs marks a significant step towards the development of the beekeeping, silk production and salt production industries in the province of Cagayan. The collaboration between CSU and DMMMSU is expected to bring about positive changes in the livelihoods of farmers and communities in both the province and in the region.