"Veggie Pastries" from Benguet

Benguet province may soon become the "veggie pastries" capital as it plans mass production of vegetable-based cookies and bread following the success of its popular vegetable noodles.
Vegetables such as squash, carrots, potato, malunggay can be made into veggie bread and pastries, according to Dr. Violeta Salda.
Salda said veggie pastas and veggie-based seasoning products will also soon be developed.
"We make products varieties that people look for," Salda said.
A pack of "Proud Harvest Veggie Noodles" costs P35. It is available at "Tindahan Natin" outlets nationwide.
Vegetable-based foods are being mass-produced in Benguet because the province has the technology as well as an abundant supply of vegetables.
The production of vegetable-based products is currently being done in Benguet State University (BSU). The construction of a processing plant specifically to produce vegetable-based products, on the other hand, is expected to be completed in December.
An estimated P3 million has already been used for production facilities.
This endeavor also got government's support, with President Arroyo allocating P10 million for the project.
Benguet Gov. Nestor Fongwan said mass producing veggie-based foods is seen as an opportunity to boost the economy of the province.
BSU president Dr. Rogelio Colting, meanwhile, said officials are willing to share the technology to interested groups or individuals.
"This is a good way that we can help in the livelihood of the people of Benguet," Colting said.

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