On June 19, 2023, DMMMSU through the North La Union Campus’ College of Agroforestry and Forestry (NLUC-CAFF) and the Local Government Unit of Sablan (LGU-Sablan) signed two memoranda of agreements (MOAs) at the Municipal Hall of Sablan to formally start two extension projects.

Honorable Alfredo B. Dacumos Jr., Mayor of LGU-Sablan; and Dr. Jaime I. Manuel, Jr., President of DMMMSU, represented the two parties. Also present as witnesses were Dr. Junifer Rey E. Tabafunda, NLUC Chancellor; Dr. Maria Elaine D. Pinay-an, NLUC Head of Extension; For. Jayric F. Villareal, Dean of the College of Agroforestry and Forestry; Hon. Cornelio I. Almacen, Sablan SB Committee Chair on Agriculture; Mr. Ronald K. Sofla, Sablan Municipal Planning Development; and Mr. Ramon M. Anacioco, Sablan Municipal Agriculturist.

LGU-Sablan will assist in the effective and efficient implementation of the extension projects on inarching technology promotion for rambutan and bio-N plus chicken manure and vermicompost for corn; identify rambutan and corn farmers/farmers’ organizations/cooperatives who will serve as beneficiaries of the extension projects; provide facilities, venue, and other counterpart during the conduct of project-related activities; convene participants during the conduct of project-related activities; and monitor and document the accomplishments of the extension project.

On the other hand, DMMMSU will implement the extension project based on the approved Operational Plans for CY 2023-2025, provide the supplies and materials for the conduct of project-related activities, serve as resource speakers and invite distinguished resource speakers as needed for the conduct of seminars cum hands-on training in the extension project, and submit required reports or terminal reports to LGU-Sablan as necessary.

“This partnership will be valuable for our farmers and the municipality as a whole for this will aid in the promotion of the municipality’s banner as the fruit basket of Benguet,” said Honorable Mayor Dacumos.

Also present during the event were the CAFF extension professionals namely, For. Jay Mark G. Cortado, For. Cindy E. Poclis and For. Reymark R. Rivera. (By Maria Elaine D. Pinay-an)