Staff reporter
Batac CITY—Rare collections of bonsai plants, high-quality furniture products, creative crafts and souvenir items including processed food products among others are on display on January 18, 2018 at the Garden show and trade fair held at the open grounds of the state-run Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Batac City campus.
With a theme, “Transforming Concepts into Products,” the month-long exhibit participated by public and private stakeholders of MMSU is one of the highlights of the university as it commemorates its 40th foundation anniversary.
As a premiere university in the country, MMSU president Shirley Agrupis took the lead in empowering the lives of Ilocanos through research innovations and knowledge-driven global economy.
Over the years, residents of Ilocos Norte are grateful for having the university as it opened doors of opportunities for them not only in achieving quality education but also on research and extension services.
Agnes Asuncion, a former domestic helper turned farmer entrepreneur is now enjoying the fruits of her labor as she was a recipient of various seminars and training workshops of MMSU such as on soap and fruit wine-making among others.
“I am thankful for MMSU because of their tireless commitment to improve the life of others. I learned a lot of things from them,” said Ms. Asuncion as she is among the regular exhibitors of the university, selling essential oils, dragon fruit soap, and fruit wines.
As part of promoting the milestone achievements of the university, the garden show and exhibit features unique goods and commodities MMSU had helped improved through the years.