In a significant milestone for the Mariano Marcos State University-Research Directorate (MMSU-RD), Dr. Dionisio S. Bucao has been named as its new director, marking the first time in the institution's history that a full-time researcher has been entrusted with the RD’s leadership.
The transition in leadership within the RD comes as Dr. Bjorn S. Santos, the former RD Director, takes on a new role as the Director of the National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center (NBERIC) and concurrently the Sustainability and Futures Thinking director.
Dr. Bucao’s journey within the university is a remarkable one. He began his career as a research assistant at then Rainfed Lowland Rice Research Consortium in a contractual status. His dedication and contributions to research led him to secure an MMSU plantilla position as a Science Research Assistant. Over time, he continued to ascend the ranks and currently holds the Supervising Education Program Specialist position, the highest RD position.
He holds a doctorate in soil science, specializing in soil survey and classification/land use, from the University of the Philippines at Los Baños. He obtained his master’s degree in agriculture (Crops Science) and bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering at MMSU.
Dr. Bucao's areas of expertise encompass nutrient and water management, soil conservation and management, organic agriculture, and crop production management. His numerous research made him the most productive researcher, enabling him to gain publications, conference presentations, and various research awards.
Dr. Bucao assumed office on September 4, following the oath-taking of MMSU officials designated to various administrative positions. Before his appointment, he was the chief of the Garlic Research Center under the RD and the Director of the S&T Park, now named the Innovation and Technology, where he concurrently holds as its director.
