30/06/2026
š”ššŖš¦ | DAR cites MMSU for āincomparable dedicationā to anti-poverty, anti-hunger efforts
By Jareason Fabre
For the second straight year, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) cited Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) for its "incomparable dedication" to advancing the government's anti-hunger and anti-poverty efforts. The award was conferred during the 2026 Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP) Awards and Recognition Ceremony held on June 25 in Sequoia Hotel Manila Bay.
DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III personally presented the Plaque of Recognition to Vice President for Administration and Finance Fides Bernardo Bitanga, Auxiliary Services Director Erick Jay de la Cruz, and Food Service Chief Norman Viernes, who received the award on behalf of MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr.
The university earned the recognition for purchasing quality agricultural products from Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs), showing that its procurement not only provides quality food but also helps improve farmers' livelihoods and support local communities. From January to December 2025, MMSU posted the highest purchase volume among state universities and colleges under the PAHP Project.
The recognition shows the importance of promoting food security and helping improve the livelihoods of agrarian reform beneficiaries through institutional purchasing.
Accepting the award, Director de la Cruz said, "As the only state university to receive such a distinction, this recognition inspires us to continue supporting farming communities and contributing to the government's food security agenda."
In his message, Secretary Estrella emphasized that the country's common fight should be against hunger and poverty. āAmid the conflicts and divisions around us, the real battle that should unite us is the fight against hunger and poverty," he said.
Dr. Manzano thanked DAR for the recognition, saying it shows the university's work in supporting communities outside the classroom.
"This recognition strengthens our resolve to continue empowering our partner farmer organizations and supporting local agriculture," he said.
Launched in 2016, the PAHP Project links Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations with institutional buyers such as government agencies, state universities and colleges, and local government units. The initiative aims to improve food security, expand market opportunities for farmers, increase farm incomes, and provide communities with a steady supply of safe, nutritious, and affordable food.
https://www.mmsu.edu.ph/article/news/3067/dar-cites-mmsu-for-incomparable-dedication-to-anti-poverty-anti-hunger-efforts
