New Gumamela Hybrid Named ‘Briones’
University of the Philippines Los Baños named a new gumamela hybrid after Education Secretary Leonor Briones.
The newest Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Leonor M. Briones’ was named after 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, the new hybrid dedicated to Briones was presented and awarded to her yesterday, October 16.
“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,” Briones said.
The education secretary was nominated by Dr. Glenn B. 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.
Being a teacher for most of her life, the 81-year-old education secretary has taught young children in church schools as well as students in undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies
In her term as DepEd Secretary, Briones spearheaded the Sulong EduKalidad, the department’s aggressive campaign to improve the quality of basic education in the Philippines.
Under her leadership, DepEd also developed the Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan at the onset of the Covid19 pandemic.
The initiative ensured learning continuity while safeguarding the health and well-being of learners, teachers, and personnel.
