Dr. Lorenza G. Lirio, a Professor and a researcher at the Biology Department of the Benguet State University 's College of Arts and Science (BSU-CAS), is the Philippine Agriculture and Resources Research Foundation, Inc. (PARRFI) Professorial Chair Awardee for the year 2006.

     As a Professorial Chair holder, Dr. Lirio is expected to deliver a scholarly lecture and publish a scholarly paper in a reputable journal within a year of her appointment.

     Her nomination by the University as well as her selection by the PARRFI Board of Trustees was based on her academic training, teaching competence, research/creative output, and extension/community services. Dr. Lirio graduated (with Great Distinction ) in 2000 at the Ghent University in Belgium with a Ph D in Applied Biological Science.

     Teaching Botany, Plant Physiology, and Biological Sciences in BSU since 1973, Dr. Lirio has successfully combined the instruction, research, and extension functions of a professor as shown by her researches, publications, paper/poster presentations, and awards. The most recent of such awards is the Best Scientific Poster in Agricultural Science she received last July in Manila from the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST).

     Dr. Lirio, who presented a poster in Seoul, Korea last August  during the International Horticulture Convention, is currently the Project Leader of a four-year research on “Sustainable Semi-Temperate Vegetable Production: Characterization, Genetic Conservation, and Propagation of Indigenous Vegetables in Highland Cordilleras.”   This project is being funded by the Vlaamse Interuniversitaire Raad- Philippine Institutional University Cooperation (VLIR-PIUC) Programme.  She is also the College Research Coordinator of the College of Arts and Sciences.    

     The Professorial Chair Award conferred to Dr. Lirio last month entitles her to a monthly honorarium of PhP2,000.00 for one year plus PhP6,000.00 for expenses such as supplies, travel, and other incidental expenditures.