The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) Pili Campus’ third-year BS Biology Plant Majors successfully conducted their two-day Culminating Activity for Plant Morphoanatomy (PMA) on December 4–5, 2025, at the SWKS Building.
Carrying the theme “Bridging Classical Microscopy with Modern Digital Technologies,” the activity showcased how students reimagined traditional plant anatomy studies by integrating digital tools into classical laboratory techniques, with innovations like ImageJ software to modernize the analysis of plant anatomical structures.
The event featured a series of insightful lectures from respected faculty members and guest speakers. Ms. Shela V. Ruiz, MBiEd, head of the PMA program, opened the discussion by sharing perspectives on visualizing plant anatomy as a foundation for innovative product development. On the second day, Dr. Vladimir R. Foronda, PhD, emphasized the growing importance of digital technologies, independence, and adaptability in contemporary biological research. Students were also inspired by the messages and guidance of Ms. Imelda Corazon C. Camposano, MSc, Biology Department program chairperson, and Ms. Katrina G. Gepilano, RN, MAN, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, who encouraged learners to embrace both tradition and innovation in their scientific pursuits.
One of the major highlights of the culminating activity was the presentation of student-led case studies. Among the most commended were “Anatomical Variation of Rice Stem Vascular Bundles Across Internodes: A Microtome and ImageJ-Based Comparative Study” by Section 3A, and “Digital Analysis of Welcome Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) Leaf Area Using ImageJ Compared to the Traditional Grid Paper Method” by Section 3B. The presentations were evaluated by a distinguished panel composed of Mr. Mark Anthony S. Valenciano, Mr. Christian C. Gratil, Mr. Eljhun B. Lumapag, and Ms. Lenith B. Lizano.
The successful completion of the PMA activity affirmed that even under immense academic pressure, students can effectively bridge the gap between traditional botany and the expanding possibilities of the digital age. 𝘐 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘊𝘈𝘚 𝘉𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺 𝘋𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵
