Education Secretary Leonor Briones is filled with joy and wonder thanks to the new hybrid gumamela named after her. The former national treasurer wrote on Facebook that the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis “Leonor Magtolis Biones” never stopped blooming since it was given to her last October.
The University of the Philippines–Los Baños (UPLB) named the gumamela hybrid after Briones, citing her contributions to society by setting professional standards for public servants and introducing reforms in the education sector. The samples of the flower with vibrant colors ranging from yellow to pink, developed by the Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB), were given to the DepEd secretary during a ceremony on October 16, 2021.
“They never stopped blooming! They are a source of endless joy and wonder,” Briones said on Facebook. Briones has shared samples of the new gumamela with her family and friends and posted photos of the latest blooms online.
She also welcomed requests from people seeking to grow the flower. More cuttings will be available by December, she said. “I have received many requests for cuttings of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Leonor Magtolis Briones’ which was launched last October 16 during my birthday. Unfortunately, the two remaining pots that I have are cuttings also,” she said.
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