The Central Luzon State University (CLSU) through the Philippine Sino-Center for Agricultural Technology (PhilSCAT), received today, April 19, a 3.5 million pesos royalty from the Tao Foods Company, Inc. (TFCI) for the exclusive commercialization of Mestiso 82 (M82) – a PhilSCAT-bred hybrid rice variety.

Prior to the royalty handing ceremony, Atty. Laura Love P. Guevara, President and CEO of TFCI, gave a brief message where she acknowledged their essential partnership with CLSU particularly, PhilSCAT in providing quality hybrid rice to Filipino Farmers.

In response, University President Edgar A. Orden expressed his gratitude to Tao Foods Company Inc. for investing in the commercialization of M82. “This is another example of the successful Private and Public Partnership,” said President Orden.

Others who graced the event from TFCI were Mr. Joseph Arlan C. Fajardo, Business Unit Head, Ms. Ana Lovely P. Cordez, Digital Marketing Assistant, and Ms. Jane Camille Almasin, Milled Rice Business Manager; while from CLSU were Dr. Armando N. Espino, Jr., Vice President for Research and Extension Program, Dr. Ariel G. Mactal, Vice President for Business Affairs Program, Dr. Marvin Cinense, PhilSCAT Director, Dr. Emmanuel V. Sicat, former PhilSCAT Director, and Dr. Carlos C. Abon, Jr., PhilSCAT consultant.

Tao Foods Company, Inc. is a subsidiary of the Tao Corporation which aims to feed, sustain, and deliver joy to all aspects of people's lives.