The Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) paid tribute to its personnel during a program celebrating its 48th anniversary last June 6 at the IPB Seminar Room.
With the theme “Dekalidad na Pananim at Epektibong Teknolohiya,” the celebration highlighted not only the varieties and technologies IPB has developed over the years but also the dedicated people behind them.
IPB Deputy Director Elmer E. Enicola said in his opening remarks that celebrating IPB’s 48 years means recognizing the people contributing to its success. “Our people are our greatest asset,” he said.
In a message to IPB personnel, UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr., expressed his gratitude for their continuous commitment to providing quality seeds and technologies to Filipinos, especially farmers. He also applauded IPB for its efforts to reach out to stakeholders, which he hoped the university could continue doing.
Dean Elpidio M. Agbisit, Jr. of the College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS) also reiterated the role of IPB in contributing to a more resilient food system in the country. He congratulated the institute for its 48 successful years in service and expressed his excitement for its upcoming 50th anniversary.
During the ceremony, 20 personnel who have served IPB for 10 to 45 years and ten retirees were recognized for their dedicated service to IPB. Ten personnel and one research team who have displayed excellence in their work were also recognized.
Roanne R. Gardoce was named Outstanding Senior Researcher, while Michelle Lyka V. Descalsota and Rachele L. De Torres were recognized with the Outstanding Junior Researcher Awards for regular and contract of service (COS) staff categories, respectively.
Marvin M. Obando (regular) and Noemi C. Coral (COS) were awarded outstanding administrative personnel for the blue collar category. For the technical category, the outstanding administrative personnel were Marilyn L. De Vera (regular) and John Mark D. Baguioan (COS). Randie A. Conchada (regular) and Arlene R. Silvestre (COS) were named outstanding administrative personnel for the office category.
Anthony P. Vicencio was recognized as outstanding supervisor, while the Banana Varietal Improvement Program was recognized as the Outstanding Research Team.
Distinguished plant breeders Dr. Rita P. Laude, Dr. Fernando A. Bernardo, Dr. Violeta N. Villegas, and Dr. Desiree M. Hautea gave heartening and inspiring stories on work in the field and at IPB. Villegas and Hautea are both former directors of IPB.
The program concluded with Dr. Evelyn F. Delfin, head of the anniversary steering committee, thanking everyone who made the celebration possible and meaningful.
Also present during the program were National Scientist Dolores A. Ramirez, IPB alumni and friends, and officials of other CAFS units.
A field day and farmers’ forum, sports fest, motorcade, seminar, and socials were among the other festivities held in celebration of IPB’s 48th founding anniversary. (Juvelle P. Villanueva)
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