MARIANO Marcos State University (MMSU) and Adones Integrated Farm (AIF) have inked a Technology Licensing Agreement (TLA) to commercialize the pickled food technologies developed by MMSU.
The agreement, signed on Jan. 20, 2026, at the MMSU Center for Flexible Learning in Batac, Ilocos Norte, authorizes AIF to adopt, produce, and commercialize the university’s pickled egg, fruits, and vegetables technologies.
The technologies were developed by a team of dedicated researchers under a project funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).
“This partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration between academia, industry and government in driving innovation and entrepreneurship,” MMSU president Virgilio Julius Paraoan Manzano said, adding that this marks a significant milestone in the country’s pursuit of food security and sustainable agricultural development.
A recipe for success
The pickled food technologies are the result of months of tireless work by MMSU researchers, led by Marilou Lucas, Teresita Pablo, Lorma Valera, Felicitas Sanculi, and Jerson Coloma. Their goal was to improve processing techniques, extend shelf life, and enhance the value of local agriculture products, ultimately contributing to the growth of the agri-food sector.
“Our research team is thrilled to see our technologies being commercialized and making a positive impact on the community,” Lucas said. “This partnership with AIF demonstrates the power of innovation and collaboration in driving economic growth and improving lives.”
AIF: A partner in Innovation
Adones Integrated Farm, a pioneering agri-business enterprise in Ilocos Norte, is no stranger to innovation. With a strong track record of adopting cutting-edge technologies, AIF is well-positioned to bring MMSU’s pickled food technologies to the market.
“AIF is committed to harnessing the power of technology to drive growth and sustainability in the agri-food sector,” said Bernadeth Saguiguit-Adones, AIF owner and founder. “Our partnership with MMSU is a significant step towards achieving this goal, and we are excited to bring these innovative pickled products to consumers.”
Boosting the agri-food sector
DOST-PCAARRD said the TLA with AIF is expected to have a ripple effect on the agri-food sector, creating new opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, and consumers. By commercializing MMSU’s pickled food technologies, it said that the AIF will not only create new revenue streams but also contribute to the country’s food security and sustainable agriculture development goals.
“This partnership is a shining example of how academia, industry, and government can work together to drive innovation and entrepreneurship,” said DOST-PCAARRD director Reynaldo Ebora. “We are proud to have supported the development of these technologies and look forward to seeing their impact on the agri-food sector.”
A model for success
University officials said that the MMSU-AIF partnership also serves as a model for other universities and industries looking to collaborate and drive innovation. It added that by leveraging each other’s strengths, MMSU and AIF are sowing seeds of innovation that will yield a bountiful harvest of benefits for the agri-food sector and the community at large.
Manzano underscored that as the country continues to navigate the challenges of food security and sustainable agricultural development, partnerships like this one will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s future.
“The success of MMSU and AIF’s collaboration will undoubtedly inspire other innovators to follow suit, driving growth, sustainability, and prosperity in the agri-food sector,” he said.
“We are proud to partner with AIF in driving economic growth and improving lives and look forward to seeing the positive impact of this partnership on the agri-food sector,” Manzano added.