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IIT’s Museum Gems Presented in an International Conference

IIT’s Museum Gems Presented in an International Conference

by | Jun 19, 2015 | Science & Mathematics

by Ian Embradura, OPI

15th University Museums and Collections (UMAC) International Conference

The Institute’s Natural Science Museum In-Charge, Mr. Emerito B. Batara, represented MSU-IIT at the 15th University Museums and Collections (UMAC) International Conference held at the University of Sto. Tomas, Manila on May 11-14, 2015. With the theme “Rethinking University Museums: Bridging Theory and Practice,” the conference provided an avenue for those in such field in preserving and providing access to national and international heritage. Japan, Hongkong, Sri Lanka, Singapore, France, and Italy are only some of the 15 countries that were represented in the said gathering.

In collaboration with Dr. Luisito Evangelista of the National Museum of the Philippines and Dr. Ayumi Terada of the University of Tokyo, Mr. Batara and his team presented their poster entitled “A Glimpse of Dr. Rabor’s Collection at MSU-IIT – A Biological Treasure.” The poster features the Father of Philippine Conservation Dr. Discoro S. Rabor and his contribution of 110 specimens in the Institute’s museum.

The late Dr. Rabor was a professor in MSU Marawi for 6 years during the 1970s. However, his career as conservationist and field researcher of zoology has been for more than half of the 20th century, as briefly narrated in the poster. Additionally, Dr. Rabor’s collection areas span from Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Lanao, Camiguin, Agusan, Surigao, and even Negros. A variety of 102 bird specimens and 8 mammals were all been deposited by Dr. Rabor to IIT’s Natural Science Museum—a gem in its growing collection.

According to Mr. Batara, through their poster presentation, he seeks to put IIT in the map acrossMindanao. He is one of the few delegates from Mindanao.

More so, Mr. Emerito B. Batara has been working at the Institute’s museum for almost 30 yearsnow, from the time he earned his degree in BS Zoology from the Institute. Serving as technician, curator and in-charge of the maintenance and preserving, he finds his job both challenging and interesting. Plans on expanding the galleries are already in mind. He takes pride in working in an environment where he could provide access to knowledge and learning, and in showing the zoological wonders of Mindanao.

15th University Museums and Collections (UMAC) International Conference
15th University Museums and Collections (UMAC) International Conference

Topics : Natural Science Museum

Batara and Ortega take oath as officers of NCCA’s two Executive Councils

Batara and Ortega take oath as officers of NCCA’s two Executive Councils

by | Mar 31, 2014 | Arts & Social Sciences

by Ma. Theresa S. Villabona

Mr. Emerito B. Batara and Dr. Christine Godinez Ortega took their oaths as officers of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) of the National Committee on Museums (NCOM) and the National Committee on Literary Arts respectively.

Ortega of the Department of English, CASS took her oath as Head of the NLAC before the Chair of the SubCommission on the Arts Felipe de Leon, Jr., and as Secretary of the Executive Council of the SubCommission on the Arts before the NCCA Office of the Executive Director OIC Adelina M. Suemith on March 5, 2014 at the Century Park Hotel.

Ortega has been a member of the NLAC for the sixth time since the NCCA, through Executive Order No. 118, was created in 1987 as the Presidential Commission on Culture and Arts by then President Corazon C. Aquino.

Batara, a Laboratory Technician III and the Museum-in-Charge of the MSU-IIT likewise took his oath as a member of the NCOM on March 6, 2014 before Suemith also at the Century Park Hotel. The NCOM is under the SubCommission on Cultural Heritage.

An Orientation of NCCA policies and functions of officers followed the oath taking ceremonies.

Both Ortega and Batara will each serve a three-year term or, from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 as volunteer workers for the government’s culture and arts agency.

In 1992, the Presidential Directive penned by the late President Aquino was enacted into law as RA 7356, creating the NCCA. The law was co-authored by Senators Edgardo Angara, Heherson Alvarez, Leticia Ramos Shahani, and Rep. Carlos Padilla.

The NCCA is the overall policy making body, coordinating, and grants giving agency for the preservation, development and promotion of Philippine arts and culture; an executing agency for the policies it formulates; and tasked to administering the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts (NEFCA) — fund exclusively for the implementation of culture and arts programs and projects. – contributed news for OPI

Topics : Literary Arts  natural science museum