杏吧论坛

IIT鈥檚 Museum Gems Presented in an International Conference

by Ian Embradura, OPI | Jun 19 2015

The Institute’s Natural Science Museum In-Charge, Mr. Emerito B. Batara, represented 杏吧论坛-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 杏吧论坛-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 杏吧论坛 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.

Topics : Natural Science Museum