Sorsogon State University (SorSU), through its STC4iD Extension Project funded by DOST-PCAARRD, recently conducted a three-day Collaborative Exploratory Visit at Marinduque State University (MarSU) as part of the project titled “Empowering Fisherfolks through the STC4iD Modality in Barangay Behia, Magallanes, Sorsogon.”
Led by Project Leader Prof. Lynn C. Mendoza, the delegation included key experts from SorSU such as Elden G. Orgela (Technical Expert), Dr. Mae H. San Pablo (Extension Expert), Larina D. Burton (GAD Expert), Estephen L. Barliso (Economic Expert), Cherry P. Buitizon (Project Technical Aide VI), and Julie Ann C. Orgela (Project Technical Aide II). They were joined by members of the Sorsogon Rural-Based Cluster Cooperative (SRBCC): Marinelle Leray, Marites Hendrano, Levina H. Dreo, Vergo Buelo, and Vincent Morales.
Upon arrival, the team received a warm Marinduqueno welcome through the traditional “Putong” ceremony—a vibrant and heartfelt expression of hospitality. This was followed by a courtesy call with MarSU President Dr. Diosdado P. Zulueta, where both parties discussed potential areas for collaboration in research, extension, and development.
The visit continued at the MarSU-Gasan Campus, where the delegation was received by Assoc. Prof. Jovito L. Opena, Campus Director, along with Dr. Ma. Edelwina M. Blase, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Trainings; Mr. Wilfredo Q. Villavicencio Jr., Project Manager; Dr. Evangeline B. Mandia, Research Director; and other university staff and students.
A key highlight of the visit was a presentation by Dr. Alexander M. Pascua, Project Leader of the Fishery Technology Business Incubation and Innovation Center (FTBIIC). Dr. Pascua shared valuable insights into the center’s mission, milestones, and its impact on the local fisheries industry.
As part of the immersion, the team together with MarSU staff visited the Kalipunan ng mga Kababaihan ng Marinduque (KKM) Cooperative in Masiga, Gasan, to observe the production processes of local bagoong and patis makers. They also toured the Shared Service Facility for Bagoong and Patis Processing, operated in partnership with the Buenavista Bagoong Producers MPC in Buenavista, Marinduque. The group visited the FECOFFWA Marinduque Farmers Agricultural Cooperative in Daykitin, Buenavista, where they explored effective strategies and techniques to boost productivity and member engagement within the cooperative.
The exploratory visit served as a valuable opportunity to build academic and community-based linkages between SorSU and MarSU. More importantly, it reaffirmed both institutions’ shared commitment to empowering fisherfolk communities through innovation, collaboration, and inclusive development.
Sorsogon State University, Magallanes Campus
