A rare ornamental plant at the Agricultural Sciences Cluster (ASC) in UP Los Baños is in full bloom again after three years.

The Jade Vine (Stronglydon macrobotrys A. Gray), locally known as Tayabak, had almost disappeared completely in the UPLB campus. But now two plants have started bearing flowers again and thanks to the efforts of ASC it may no longer be endangered here. At present there are four Jade Vines planted in the ASC’s permanent trellis.

Microfinance whiz Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip (BSA '78) copped one of two slots in the Outstanding UPLB Alumni Association (AA) Awards during the 89th Loyalty Day and Alumni Homecoming celebration last October 10, 2007. The other awardee was Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, a graduate from the College of Economics and Management.

Dr. Alip is recognized for helping poor women get access to microcredit when he set up the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD-MRI). With 307 offices in the country, CARD-MRI provides a holistic approach to development through a wide range of financial and non-financial services. Dr. Alip was also chosen by Earnst & Young as Social Entrepreneur of the Year. He likewise received in June 2007 the U.P Alumni Association Most Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Once again, the UPLB College of Agriculture (CA) graduates showed the way in the 2006 agriculturist licensure examination given by the Board of Agriculture in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga City. Although a non-CA graduate topped the test held last July 2007, eight (8) or 66.66% of the 12 occupants of the top 10 slots came from UPLBCA.

CALLING ALL ALUMNI!

The University of the Philippines Los Baños College of Agriculture Alumni Association (UPLBCAAA) is already accepting nomination for 2007 Distinguished Alumni. Qualified for the award are those with significant contributions in any of the following categories:

• Agriculture Entrepreneurship
• Science and Technology
• Teaching
• Institutional Organization and Development

"Star for All Seasons" was launched in celebration of the Lipa Foundation Day (August 25). Named after Lipa City Mayor Vilma Santos, the new hybrid-lavender mauve, medium and double petals with quilted blooms-is the latest among the Celebrity Star Series under IPB's Hibiscus breeding program.

The gumamela breeding program was initiated in December 1994 and spearheaded by Dr. Reynaldo B.