Centro Escolar University introduced the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Escolarina,’ a newly developed cultivar honoring the legacy of its founder, Doña Librada Avelino, as part of the celebration of her 153rd birth anniversary.
The cultivar, developed by Filipino hybridizer Tom Lugod, features pink blossoms that bloom in the morning, symbolizing beauty and the enduring values upheld by the University. CEU President Emeritus, Dr. Ma. Cristina D. Padolina, an avid plant enthusiast initiated the concept of developing a cultivar dedicated for CEU, which was supported by Dr. Teresa R. Perez, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Highlighting the launch was the unveiling of a painting of the ‘Escolarina’ plant created by Ms. Daisy Sta. Cruz, an Escolarina artist from the CEU Girls’ High School Class of 1984 and a Fine Arts graduate of the University of the Philippines.
The commemorative program also featured cultural performances by the CEU Folkdance Troupe and a member of the CEU Singers Manila, as well as a poetry reading by Dr. Rosana D. Lucero, Head of the University Publications. A Thanksgiving Mass was likewise celebrated at the CEU Chapel on the same day.
Officials and student representatives from CEU Manila, Makati, Malolos, and Centro Escolar Las Piñas received the actual plant. Cards featuring the cultivar as the cover were also distributed to the attendees.
For more information about CEU, please visit the official website of the University at www.ceu.edu.ph. You may also follow CEU on Facebook at @theCEUofficial, @CEUMalolosofficial, @CEUMakati05; on Twitter at @CEUmanila, @CEU_Makati05, and @CEUMalolos; on Instagram at @ceuofficial; on Youtube @CEUofficial; on Tiktok at ceuofficial_; and on Spotify at Escolarian Talks.