A research towards the sustainability of  'Semi-Temperate Vegetable Production: Characterization and Propagation of Indigenous Vegetables of the Highland Cordilleras' was adjudged second best Development Paper in Agriculture and Natural Resources by the National Symposium on Agriculture Resources Research and Development (NSARRD – PCARRD – DOST) at Intercontinental Hotel, Makati City last November 9.     

      The indigenous vegetables include native species or crops in the region that evolved over a period of time, regularly cultivated or growing wild as weed, acceptable to local tastes, more resistant to pests and diseases, and one of the cheapest sources of vitamins, minerals, calories and proteins.

      Their survey conducted in Benguet and Mountain Province showed that 47 indigenous vegetables belonging to 21 families are eaten by the folks utilizing mostly the tops or the young shoots.

      On the other hand, the five researchers from the Biology Department, College of Arts and Sciences namely: Prof. Lorenza G. Lirio, Prof. Louisa P. Pladio, Prof. Manuel A. Balcita, Prof. Lito O. Ayyokad and Prof. Joyce N. Paing are inviting individuals who are interested to compete in the Cook Festival using indigenous vegetables during the BSU Charter Day on January 8 – 12, 2008.  
      The five researchers aim to propagate and commercialize the most promising crops in terms of nutrient content, hardiness, acceptability, etc.