UPLB showcases abaca textile, illuminates Christmas tree in festive celebration

Students, scientists, officials, staff, and alumni of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) held a special fashion showcase featuring the Dioscoro 1 abaca variety during its Christmas celebration. 

According to Vonne Aquino's report on "24 Oras" Thursday, the Dioscoro 1 variety took almost six decades to develop by the UPLB's Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) and the Department of Science and Technology. 

Per UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho Jr., the Dioscoro 1 variety is resilient, reflecting the enduring spirit of Filipinos. 

Aside from the fashion showcase, the festive celebration also included the lighting of UPLB's 47-foot Christmas tree festooned with 10,000 LED lights. Its Nativity display also featured touches of abaca. Meanwhile, Christmas lights illuminated Oblation Park and the iconic Pili Drive. 

The event continued with musical performances by various talents from UPLB and the OPM band Neocolors. 

"Alam natin na ito'y kapaskuhan, ito'y nagsisilbing selebrasyon ng mga tagumpay ng buong taon, ng mga hamon na napagtagumpayan natin at ngayong gabi, ang kapaskuhan ay ipinagdiriwang natin. Ngayong gabi ay isang tagumpay ng industriyang Pilipino, ang abaca industry at kailangan natin pong mag-celebrate," said UPLB Chancellor Camacho. 

—CDC, GMA Integrated News