Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) earned the 2nd Best Paper Award under the Agricultural, Food, and Environment category at the 2025 PAEPI International Extension Congress held at the Del Carmen Convention Center, Siargao Island. 

With the theme “Embracing Science and Technology-Driven Extension Platforms for Sustainable and Inclusive Communities,” the congress convened leading extension professionals, researchers, and academic experts from across the globe to exchange strategies and innovations shaping inclusive rural development.

Engr. Rufo A. Baro, Associate Professor V, represented DMMMSU and presented the award-winning paper titled “Agriculture and Fishery Production and Livelihood Interventions: A Key Towards Improving Farmers’ and Fishers’ Productivity and Income.” Myer G. Mula, Rosana P. Mula, Cynthia M. Rodriguez, Ma. Cynthia S. Bantilan, Keneth G. Bayani, Emerita D. Galiste, Ma. Victoria C. Domingo, Rufo A. Baro, Rodolfo G. Nillo, Mabel M. Caccam, Valentino V. Prado, Rolyne Mae C. Pajarillo, and Jannah Kristine O. Vengazo collaboratively conducted the study.

The paper emphasizes the University’s commitment to empowering rural communities through science-based, accessible interventions aimed at increasing agricultural and fishery productivity, improving income, and building climate-resilient livelihoods.

DMMMSU delegation, led by Dr. Gregory B. Viste, Director for Extension, along with the University’s extension professionals, also presented four high-impact research papers at the congress. (By Dianne A.Peralta)