Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Dr. Florfe M. Acma, a faculty member of the Plant Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences of the College of Arts and Sciences and currently the Director of the Center for Biodiversity Research and Extension in Mindanao (CEBREM) of Central Mindanao University (CMU) delivered an oral paper during the XX International Botanical Congress (IBC) held at Madrid, Spain on July 21 -27, 2024.
The paper entitled “Quantitative Phytochemical Analyses of the Fruit and Propagation of Amomum dealbatum Roxb. (Zingiberaceae)” was delivered by Dr. Acma on behalf of the research team with Ms. Maria Hazel C. Ubang as the major author and Prof. Hannah P. Lumista, Dr. Noel E. Lagunday and Dr. Florfe M. Acma as co-authors. The plant species was only reported to be present in the Philippines in 2014 by Dr. Acma hence, an additional flora to the country. Its economic potentials which include the phytochemical contents of the fruits were studied since it is considered edible by the local people.
The XX International Botanical Congress Madrid 2024 was attended by more than 3,000 participants from all over the world and said congress takes place every six years under the supervision of the International Association for Botanical and Mycological Societies (IABMS). The major sponsors include the Sociedad Botanica Espaola (SEBOT), Real Jardin Botanico, Gobierno de Espana, and the Ministerio De Ciencia, Innovacion Y Universidades.
The event gave Dr. Acma an opportunity to share botanical findings of the country, renew ties with researcher collaborators who were also present during the conference, and meet new botanists from all over the world to exchange ideas and open possibilities for future collaboration. Further, Dr. Acma visited some impressive museums and botanical gardens near the venue to gain fruitful insights into these facilities.
Attending international conferences and visiting some facilities broadens one’s perspectives on current issues moreso that the plenary speakers of the plenary sessions are authors of some books or are very famous and have high credentials in botanical aspect. [with information from Dr. Florfe M. Acma, CEBREM Director]
Dr. Florfe Acma poses beside the banner of the XX International Botanical Congress, Madrid, Spain.
The Philippine delegation during the XX International Botanical Congress, Madrid, Spain.
