Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College

ISPSC Launches Three Research Centers at the Santa Maria Campus

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 Share to Friend Print a Copy

NEWS   ISPSC launches three research centers at the Santa Maria Campus

The Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC) celebrated the grand opening of three research centers on July 1 at the Farmers Innovation Center, Santa Maria Campus. Poised to advance agriculture, forestry resource management, and animal research in the region, the newly established centers include the Tobacco and Agricultural Research Center (TARC), the Forest Advancement and Resource Management Research Center (FARMRC), and the Animal Research Center (ARC). This initiative seeks to expand research opportunities, promote academic excellence, and support knowledge creation and dissemination in line with the college’s institutional research agenda.

ISPSC President Mario P. Obrero emphasized the importance of research and development in addressing community needs. “These research centers are driving innovation and contributing to sustainable community development,” he said. 

He added that ISPSC anticipates partnerships with local farmers, government agencies, and research institutions to ensure the centers produce quality outputs that can be translated into extension programs for community utilization. 

In her message, Dr. Jocelyn L. Absolor, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension, outlined the objectives of the activity and the establishment of the research centers. She expressed her confidence that these centers, with the support of the administration, partners, and stakeholders, will become functional and beneficial to both the college and the wider community.

Dr. Jeanno M. Manzano, Campus Director of ISPSC Santa Maria, delivered the welcome remarks and expressed gratitude to the administration. “These centers will greatly benefit both students and faculty by fostering innovative research practices that can be extended to the wider community,” he stated.

During the program, the chiefs of the three research centers presented their priority programs and strategic goals aligned with the college’s vision, mission, and research agenda.

Mr. Richard D. Dela Cruz, Chief of TARC, discussed initiatives in sustainable tobacco cultivation and diversification into other high-value crops. These efforts aim to improve yields and promote climate-resilient farming techniques, especially important given the region’s dependence on agriculture and the growing impacts of climate change.

Prof. Elena U. Ato, Chief of FARMRC, shared the center’s programs on forest ecosystem preservation, disaster risk management, and the promotion of forest-based enterprises through scientific research, stakeholder collaboration, and innovation in value-adding forest products.

Dr. Alicia G. Ellorin, Chief of ARC, highlighted the center’s focus on livestock genetics, breeding, and health management systems, alongside the development of research-based extension services.

Hon. Mayor Michael S. Florendo of Santa Maria also graced the event and expressed optimism about the potential impact of the centers on innovation and livelihood. He affirmed his commitment to support the college’s research initiatives, particularly in tobacco farming.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony followed, officially opening the offices of the three research center chiefs, led by Dr. Obrero and joined by key officials and guests.

Also present were Dr. Donna Mae C. Rosario, Ilocos Sur Provincial Veterinarian; Mr. Joseph Tadeo, representative from the Provincial Agriculture Office; Dr. Evelina Gatdula, President of IFED; and faculty and staff of the Santa Maria Campus.

The launch of these research centers demonstrates ISPSC’s readiness to deliver advanced research and extension programs, strengthening its position in its bid to become the University of Ilocos Philippines. (Dr. Leonard Manuel, PRPIO Coordinator) 

Photos by King Ancheta

#ISPSC #UniversityOfIlocosPhilippines #OnwardsUIP

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