Aligned with the Department of Science and Technology Region 7–funded research study titled ‘Inventory and Morphometric Characterization of Breadfruit Varieties in Cebu’, the Biodiversity, Environment, and Natural Resources Research Center (BENRC) convened selected faculty members and students from the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environment (CAFE) to explore the morphometric characterization of breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) varieties in Cebu through a training-workshop held on February 26–27 at the BENRC–IFNI Training Center, CTU Argao.
Led by Dr. Jay P. Picardal, Campus Director of Cebu Normal University–Balamban Campus and Center Director of the Research Institute of Tropical Biology and Pharmacological Biotechnology (RITBPB), the activity featured lecture sessions and hands-on demonstrations. Particularly, it focused on the tropical tree’s leaf architecture and fruit morphology, including quality characteristics.
Despite a hectic schedule and numerous administrative responsibilities, Dr. Picardal revealed that he always makes time to return to what he loves most—taxonomy. He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share his knowledge of breadfruit from a botanical perspective and to taste innovative baked products made from breadfruit that were offered by the Center as snacks.
BENRC also presented him with complimentary copies of its newly launched research-based books, including KULO: Food Innovations, Underutilized Indigenous Food Plants in Cebu, and Spiders of Cebu: An Introductory Guide.
Student participants likewise shared that they felt honored to take part in the discussion and expressed confidence that the information gained would support them as they enroll in subjects related to the topics discussed in the training. According to Paul Eric Nacario, a sophomore BSES student, the session was both detailed and rich in information.
This year alone, the DOST-funded research study has conducted two training activities, including the Breadfruit Suitability Writeshop held on February 12–13, 2026, led by Project Leader Hemres M. Alburo.
In addition, student field assistants have been collecting data across Cebu since 2025. With a budget of more than one million pesos, the Inventory and Morphometric Characterization of Breadfruit Varieties in Cebu research study is currently in its second quarter of implementation./Melvin T. Benemerito
