Showcasing its continued commitment to agricultural innovation and regional development, Isabela State University (ISU) partnered with the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to advance sustainable sugarcane farming in Northern Luzon.

This collaboration marked a significant milestone through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on July 1, 2025 to implement the project titled “Rapid Propagation and Distribution of SRA Sugarcane High-Yielding Varieties in the Mill District,” otherwise known as “PROJECT.”

The partnership aims to boost sugarcane production in the region by propagating and distributing high-yielding varieties (HYVs), specifically to support smallholder farmers. The project forms part of SRA’s Varietal Improvement Program under the Sugar Industry Development Act (SIDA) Fund.

In essence, Mr. Pablo Luis S. Azcona (SRA Administrator), represented by Dr. Orlando F. Balderama (Vice President for Research and Development, Extension and Training), and Dr. Boyet L. Batang (University President), took the lead in sealing the partnership, along with Ms. Rose Mandac (Science Research Specialist I), and Dr. Jeoffrey Lloyd R. Bareng (University Director for Research and Development), who served as project and institutional representatives.

By and large, the initiative marks the commitment of both parties to modernize sugarcane farming and improve farmer productivity through research-based agricultural practices. With this mutual cooperation, strong research foundation, and strategic linkages, ISU empowers its community partners and helps transform the region into a model for science-based, resilient, and farmer-centered growth.