(Article published at the UPLB website)
UPLB College of Agriculture’s Institute of Plant Breeding
(IPB) awarded its two newest breeds of Hibiscus to two exemplary women. These
included the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Pia S. Cayetano’ to Philippine Senator and
lawyer Pia S. Cayetano (Women in Public Service) and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
‘Patricia B. Licuanan to Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan, chairperson of the
Commission on Higher Education, on Aug. 28 at the UP Executive House in UP
Diliman, Quezon City.
The Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Pia S. Cayetano, has
fuschia-colored flowers that are simple and regular with dark purple eyes. The
leaves are simple, discoid, ovate and glossy, and arranged alternately. The
plant is shrubby, vigorous, semi-erect, and tall. It is also a fast grower and
very floriferous, blooming all-year round, peaking from May to December.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Patricia B. Licuanan has simple and
regular flowers that have solferino purple color and ruby red eye surrounded by
gray halo. The leaves are simple, ovate and glossy, and arranged alternately.
The plant is shrubby, vigorous, and erect. It is a fast grower and very
floriferous, with the bracts blooming all-year round, peaking from May to
December.
At the presentation of the Hibiscus hybrids, Chancellor Rex
Victor O. Cruz shared that UPLB is pleased that its products are associated
with accomplished personalities. He said that he wants these products to reach
the general public and be appreciated by our countrymen.
UP President Alfredo E. Pascual in his welcome message
commended the leadership of IPB in plant breeding and hopes for greater public
appreciation of its work.
The new hibiscus hybrids were developed by Dr. Pablito M.
Magdalita, Associate Professor II and UP Scientist I of the Institute of Plant
Breeding under the College of Agriculture (IPB-CA). The Hibiscus breeding
program started with Reynold Pimentel, former researchers of IPB-CA in 1994.
Already there are nine (9) series, namely: Centennial, Millennium, Celebrity,
Oblation, Women in Public Service, Women in Science, Women in the Arts, Women
in Education, Women Saints Series, and institutions named after them.
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(With reports from the following sources:
http://senatorpiacayetano.com, http://www.ched.gov.ph and Philippines’ Women
Achievers by Pablito M. Magdalita and Reynaldo B. Pimentel)
