Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Central Mindanao University (CMU) formally inaugurated the Center for Biodiversity Research and Extension in Mindanao (CEBREM) on November 26, 2012. Dr. Nicomedes P. Eleazar, DA-BAR Director who was represented by Engr. France Gayzil Caceres was the invited keynote speaker.
To protect and conserve the remaining biodiversity in Mindanao through research, training, education and community involvement is the founding purpose for the establishment of CEBREM said the CEBREM Director, Dr. Victor B. Amoroso, in his opening remarks. CEBREM is an integral part of the university whose vision and mission call for environmental consciousness for a sustainable environment and humane society.
Dr. Maria Luisa R. Soliven, CMU President welcomed the participants and shared to everyone the history behind the establishment of the CEBREM. Accordingly, CEBREM was institutionalized through Resolution no. 103 on November 17, 2011 by the CMU Board of Regents (BOR). Under the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed between the Department of Agriculture β Bureau of Agriculture Research (DA-BAR) and Central Mindanao University (CMU) through the Institutionβs Development Grant (IDG) of DA-BAR, CMU will give a counterpart fund for the construction of the building. Hence, the amount of Php 3.5 million was granted by DA-BAR and Php500,000. 00 by CMU. An amount also of Php 1.5 million was also released by DA-BAR for the purchase of equipment for biodiversity research and extension activities.
CEBREM is composed of six units: Biodiversity Research Unit, Biodiversity Extension Unit and Public Awareness Unit, Biodiversity Education and Training Unit, Biodiversity Laboratories and Facilities Unit, University Museum, and the Mt. Musuan Zoological and Botanical Garden.
The projects of CEBREM are as follows: Morphology, Re-assessment and Conservation of Threatened, Raver Economic Philippine Pteridophytes; Establishment of Pteridogarden and Utilization of Indigenous Mindanao Edible Ferns as an alternative Food Sources; Malindang Rainforest Project; Morphology, Ecology and Conservation of Selected Threatened, Endemic and Rare Species of Vascular Plants in Mindanao; and (5) Philippine Biodiversity Information System entitled βFlora of the Philippinesβ with UP-CIDS.
Equipment for biodiversity research and extension activities is housed at the CEBREM building.Β The building serves as additional office space and or venue for the training of different stakeholders (FCTizuela/UPIO).
