EDUCATION chief Leonor Magtolis Briones' passion for education and governance was recognized by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) after naming a new gumamela hybrid in her honor.
Now on its 21st year, the Women in Public Service series names Gumamela or "Hibiscus rosa-sinensis" hybrids after women who have dedicated their time and effort to public service.
"I am humbled and deeply honored to have a wonderful variant of Gumamela named after me. As a nature lover and educator, I appreciate UPLB's Women in Public Service series that recognizes outstanding Filipino women in government," Sec. Briones said.
Secretary Briones was nominated by Dr. Glenn Gregorio, Director of Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture and duly endorsed by the UPLB Screening Committee on naming Hibiscus, Mussaenda and other ornamental plants.
The newest Hibiscus rosa-sinensis "Leonor Briones" was named under the DepEd Secretary for her outstanding contributions to society by setting professional standards for public servants and introducing basic education reform initiatives.
Developed by the Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB), the new hybrid dedicated to Briones was formally presented and awarded to her on October 16 by Ms. Agripina Rasco, Plant Breeder from IPB, Dr. Jose Camacho, Jr., UPLB Chancellor, Dr. Merdelyn Lit, chairman of the committee on naming Hibiscus, Mussaenda and Other Ornamentals and Vice-Chancellor for Research and Extension, Dr. Elpidio Agbisit Jr., Dean of the College of Agriculture and Food Science, and Dr. Fe de la Cueva, IPB Director. UPLB Chancellor Camacho will give his message on the program before the presentation of the new gumamela hybrid.
