“A Guide to Gingers of Sorsogon,” authored by Rudolph Valentino Docot and edited by Dr. Sandra Yap, is the winner of the 2022 Gintong Aklat Awards’ Science and Technology category.
“We, at the Far Eastern University Herbarium, are committed to contributing scientific facts through our study of microfungi, algae, and vascular plants like gingers. ‘A Guide to Gingers of Sorsogon’ is our first attempt at sharing that knowledge with a general audience through the many beautiful images you will find in the book,” said Dr. Yap.
Docot, known to many as “Duke,” obtained his bachelor’s degree in biology from FEU and master’s degree in biological sciences from the University of Santo Tomas. He is currently an assistant professor and researcher at FEU.
Published by FEU Publications, the book is the first guide that showcases the diversity and exquisiteness of the family Zingiberaceae in the Philippines. Although the book focuses on the province of Sorsogon, almost 30 percent of Philippine gingers are found here of which 11 are endemic to the province.
This field guidebook includes topics such as the basic structure of the ginger plant, economically important Philippine gingers, the taxonomic history of the family in the country, and the reason why Sorsogon was chosen, all of which are presented in the introductory part of the book.
In addition, each of the 33 species is supplied with diagnostic characters, short descriptions, distribution, etymology, and useful information such as notes on their habitats, local names, and economic use.
“A Guide to Gingers of Sorsogon” is available at the TAMS Bookstore and through their Lazada and Shopee online shops.
Gintong Aklat Awards was established in 1981 and is managed by the Book Development Association of the Philippines with the objective of recognizing excellence in bookmaking in the country.
