The indigenous fruit crops are neglected and underutilized (Magdalita et al, 2016). The National R&D programs are anchored on ‘big-ticket’ commodities such as mango, pineapple, cacao, coffee, pili and coconut (DA-BAR RDEAP 2016-2022). Many local fruits have the potential for local and foreign markets (Magdalita et al, 2016). These are packed with phytochemicals, antioxidants, and other compounds for pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, as well as health and wellness applications. But many other species are yet to be studied and evaluated. They may possess still-unexplored potential which can be harnessed for human gains.
The Mariano Marcos State University has registered some outstanding fruit cultivars as a result of the horticultural evaluation conducted over the past decades. However, only a few fruit species were evaluated, the focus of which are mango, duhat, jackfruit, avocado, caimito, breadfruit, tamarind, bignay, among others. 

Further studies are needed to explore the less-known local fruit diversity.  We need to document them in order to make an informed decision on prioritization. Moreso, much of the potential of less-known local fruit crop diversity awaits rediscovery. Hence, it is also vital to leverage their potential towards nutrient security and dietary diversity.  

Product – scion grove of local fruit germplasm, planting materials, variety submitted for NSIC evaluation, improved processing technique for desiccated fruits

Publication – 1 paper submitted to journal

Patent – 1 copyrighted illustrated checklist of local fruits of the Ilocos; atleast 1 UM for processed product

Policy – 1 policy brief on the conservation and management framework for the underutilized local fruits 

people services – beneficiaries of planting materials

places  and partnerships – atleast 1 product processor assisted and incubated under IP-TBI