This beautiful flower is for her efforts as a public servant
Say it with flowers. And the University of the Philippines Los Baños Institute of Plant Breeding recently unveiled a gumamela (hibiscus) flower variety dedicated to the Department of Justice Usec. Emmeline Aglipay-Villar.
The hybrid, named “Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Emmeline Aglipay-Villar,” was granted after Villar in "recognition of her work as a public servant for the protection of the rights and welfare of women, children, and other marginalized sectors.”
“I dedicate this honor to all women and children who are victims of abuse and exploitation,” Villar wrote in an Instagram post. “Let this flower be a symbol of hope for us and may it remind us that despite all the pain and suffering, flowers bloom.”
UPLB's Hibiscus Hybrids have been named after Filipinos who have made their mark in history and society. Among them are the heroines in the 1898 Philippine revolution, highly accomplished women scientists, acclaimed artists of Philippine cinema, and outstanding UP alumnae.
The institute, through Dr. Pablito Magdalita, its plant breeder, has passionately steered the breeding program by producing new and stunning hybrids with flowers colors and forms.