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Leonardo L. Co is a prominent Filipino plant taxonomist and ethnobiologist. Born on December 29, 1953, Co served as a museum researcher at the University of the Philippines Institute of Biology (IB) and as senior botanist of Conservation International-Philippines.<br /><br />
Leonardo L. Co is a prominent Filipino plant taxonomist and ethnobiologist. Born on December 29, 1953, Co served as a museum researcher at the University of the Philippines Institute of Biology (IB) and as senior botanist of Conservation International-Philippines.<br /><br />


Together with co-workers Sofronio G. Cortez and Julio 'Julius' Borromeo, Co died on November 15, 2010 after being caught in an alleged crossfire between the Philippine Army and an armed group in Kananga, Leyte. Doubts, however, are cast on whether there was really a crossfire as claimed by Lt. Col. Federico Tutaan of the 19th infantry Battalion.<br /><br />
Together with co-workers Sofronio G. Cortez and Julio 'Julius' Borromeo, Co died on November 15, 2010 after being caught in an alleged crossfire between the Philippine Army and an armed group in Kananga, Leyte. Doubts, however, are cast on whether there was really a crossfire as claimed by Lt. Col. Federico Tutaan of the 19th infantry Battalion. Later fact-finding mission found no evidence of such crossfire.<ref>[http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20101209-307883/No-crossfire-in-Leyte "No crossfire in Leyte: Botanist, pals were soldiers’ direct targets"] (PDI, 9 Dec 2010)</ref> Co's death was "equated to the loss of a national treasure."<ref>Peryy Ong, [http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=639525&publicationSubCategoryId=75 "The genius of Leonardo L. Co: The people's scientist and professor,"] Phil Star (16 Dec 2010)</ref> <br /><br />


Co was President of the Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society. His book, “Common Medicinal Plants in the Cordillera Region: A Trainor’s Manual for Community-Based Health Programs,” was published in 1989. New plant species like the 'meat' flower ''Rafflesia leonardi'' (named after him) were discovered by Co. An exceptionally rare species from Nueva Ecija and known from only one specimen, ''Mycaranthes leonardoi'' is an orchid also named after Co.<ref>Correspondence with Wally Suarez (20 Nov 2010). See [http://www.ipni.org/ipni/idPlantNameSearch.do;jsessionid=826F4FC018B56CBCA12FFEAD58650A92?id=77104125-1&back_page=%2Fipni%2FeditSimplePlantNameSearch.do%3Bjsessionid%3D826F4FC018B56CBCA12FFEAD58650A92%3Ffind_wholeName%3Dmycaranthes%2Bleonardoi%26output_format%3Dnormal U. Ferreras & W. Suarez (2009), Australian Orchid Review 74(6):36-38]</ref><br /><br />
Co was President of the Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society. His book, “Common Medicinal Plants in the Cordillera Region: A Trainor’s Manual for Community-Based Health Programs,” was published in 1989. New plant species like the 'meat' flower ''Rafflesia leonardi'' (named after him) were discovered by Co. An exceptionally rare species from Nueva Ecija and known from only one specimen, ''Mycaranthes leonardoi'' is an orchid also named after Co.<ref>Correspondence with Wally Suarez (20 Nov 2010). See [http://www.ipni.org/ipni/idPlantNameSearch.do;jsessionid=826F4FC018B56CBCA12FFEAD58650A92?id=77104125-1&back_page=%2Fipni%2FeditSimplePlantNameSearch.do%3Bjsessionid%3D826F4FC018B56CBCA12FFEAD58650A92%3Ffind_wholeName%3Dmycaranthes%2Bleonardoi%26output_format%3Dnormal U. Ferreras & W. Suarez (2009), Australian Orchid Review 74(6):36-38]</ref><br /><br />
 
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According to his colleague, Dr Julie  Barcelona, Co "spent most of his botanical career studying the forests of Luzon’s Sierra Madre. Leonard’s enthusiasm has motivated many students in the Philippines to pursue a career in Botany. His attitude towards the sincere pursuit and sharing of his knowledge in Plant Taxonomy has put real meaning to the words biodiversity conservation, scientist, endemic, endangered, capacity-building, participatory, community." <ref>[http://juliebarcelona.blogspot.com/ Julie F. Barcelona, "Rafflesia leonardi - honoring an unsung hero of Philippine Botany"] (undated)</ref>
According to his colleague, Dr Julie  Barcelona, Co "spent most of his botanical career studying the forests of Luzon’s Sierra Madre. Leonard’s enthusiasm has motivated many students in the Philippines to pursue a career in Botany. His attitude towards the sincere pursuit and sharing of his knowledge in Plant Taxonomy has put real meaning to the words biodiversity conservation, scientist, endemic, endangered, capacity-building, participatory, community." <ref>[http://juliebarcelona.blogspot.com/ Julie F. Barcelona, "Rafflesia leonardi - honoring an unsung hero of Philippine Botany"] (undated)</ref>


[[Image:Mycaranthes_leonardoi.jpg|200px|thumb|left|"Mycaranthes leonardoi" - an orchid named after Leonardo Co. Photo by Ulysses Ferreras]]
<br /><br />
----
==Writings==
==Writings==
Leonardo Co published 13 peer-reviewed articles and six books.<ref>Peryy Ong, [http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=639525&publicationSubCategoryId=75 "The genius of Leonardo L. Co: The people's scientist and professor,"] Phil Star (16 Dec 2010)</ref>
* "A Manual on Some Philippine Medicinal Plants." UP Botanical Society, 1977
* "A Manual on Some Philippine Medicinal Plants." UP Botanical Society, 1977
* "[[Dalit sa Kabundukan]]" (Poem) ni Leonard Co, 1978
* "[[Dalit sa Kabundukan]]" (Poem) ni Leonard Co, 1978
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* [http://www.elib.gov.ph/details.php?uid=439fc1e24b8408b08e3c5edc5069464c Common Medicinal Plants in the Cordillera Region: A Trainor’s Manual for Community-Based Health Programs], 1989
* [http://www.elib.gov.ph/details.php?uid=439fc1e24b8408b08e3c5edc5069464c Common Medicinal Plants in the Cordillera Region: A Trainor’s Manual for Community-Based Health Programs], 1989
* [http://www.elib.gov.ph/details.php?uid=cde0276f81de9593dfd9bc79812ea2df Annotated bibliography on Philippine biodiversity : filicopsida (ferns)], 2001
* [http://www.elib.gov.ph/details.php?uid=cde0276f81de9593dfd9bc79812ea2df Annotated bibliography on Philippine biodiversity : filicopsida (ferns)], 2001
* [http://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search/display.do;jsessionid=EAD1FBD9724AB47B6657F2304C4558C7?f=2005/PH/PH0504.xml;PH2005000389 Palanan forest dynamics plot: floristic diversity and stand structure of a lowland evergreen forest in N.E. Luzon, Philippines], 2004
* [http://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search/display.do;jsessionid=EAD1FBD9724AB47B6657F2304C4558C7?f=2005/PH/PH0504.xml;PH2005000389 Palanan forest dynamics plot: floristic diversity and stand structure of a lowland evergreen forest in N.E. Luzon, Philippines], 2004 ([http://www.ctfs.si.edu/data/pdf/CTFSbook_PDF/PalananChapt.pdf pdf])
* [http://www.elib.gov.ph/details.php?uid=fcdf8c7eb0df06ddcdcf63af0b3987e1 Forest trees of Palanan, Philippines : a study in population ecology], 2006
* [http://www.elib.gov.ph/details.php?uid=fcdf8c7eb0df06ddcdcf63af0b3987e1 Forest trees of Palanan, Philippines : a study in population ecology], 2006
* [http://www.plosbiology.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pbio.0060045 Assessing Evidence for a Pervasive Alteration in Tropical Tree Communities], 2008
* [http://www.plosbiology.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pbio.0060045 Assessing Evidence for a Pervasive Alteration in Tropical Tree Communities], 2008
* [http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/nhn/blumea/2009/00000054/F0030001/art00016 Taxonomy, ecology, and conservation status of Philippine Rafflesia (Rafflesiaceae)], 2009
* [http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/nhn/blumea/2009/00000054/F0030001/art00016 Taxonomy, ecology, and conservation status of Philippine Rafflesia (Rafflesiaceae)], 2009
 
<br />
[http://iskwiki.upd.edu.ph/images/f/f6/Leonardo_Co_-_CV.pdf Co's CV] also lists his publications.
<br /><br />
----
==Membership==
==Membership==
[[Image:Walang_hanggang_buhay_ni_Leonard.jpg|thumb|250px|right|a documentary about Leonardo Co]]
* Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society
* Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society
* UP Botanical Society
* UP Botanical Society
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* Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral sa Pilipino (SAMAPIL) - 1973<ref>[http://www.upibalon.com/story/up’s-plant-man-extraordinaire-0 Totie Mesia, "UP’s plant-man extraordinaire"] (24 Nov 2008)</ref>
* Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral sa Pilipino (SAMAPIL) - 1973<ref>[http://www.upibalon.com/story/up’s-plant-man-extraordinaire-0 Totie Mesia, "UP’s plant-man extraordinaire"] (24 Nov 2008)</ref>


==Awards==
<br />
<br />
----
 
==Awards and Recognitions==
* Biodiversity Heritage Award from UNDP
* Biodiversity Heritage Award from UNDP
*  
* "Immortal Life of Leonard Co" - a film in the making to be launched at the First International symposium of the Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society with the theme "Philippine Botanical Treasures and the Legacy of Leonard Co"


<br /><br />
----
==Personal Life==
==Personal Life==
Co proudly told people that he's "double G.I." (genuine Ilocano and genuine Intsik (Chinese))<ref>[http://www.bulatlat.com/main/2010/11/20/leonard-co-scientist-for-the-people/ "Leonard Co: Scientist for the People"] Bulatlat, 20 Nov 2010)</ref>. He spoke Filipino (Tagalog), English, Mandarin, and Latin. Co attended the Philippine Chinese High School, where a world-renowned moss taxonomist, Benito Tan, took Co with him in his weekly mountain treks. Tan also gave Co his book "Flora of Manila."<ref>[http://www.bulatlat.com/main/2010/11/20/leonard-co-scientist-for-the-people/ "Leonard Co: Scientist for the People"] Bulatlat, 20 Nov 2010)</ref>
Co proudly told people that he's "double G.I." (genuine Ilocano and genuine Intsik (Chinese))<ref>[http://www.bulatlat.com/main/2010/11/20/leonard-co-scientist-for-the-people/ "Leonard Co: Scientist for the People"] Bulatlat, 20 Nov 2010)</ref>. He spoke Filipino (Tagalog), English, Mandarin, and Latin. Co attended the Philippine Chinese High School, where a world-renowned moss taxonomist, Benito Tan, took Co with him in his weekly mountain treks. Tan also gave Co his book "Flora of Manila."<ref>[http://www.bulatlat.com/main/2010/11/20/leonard-co-scientist-for-the-people/ "Leonard Co: Scientist for the People"] Bulatlat, 20 Nov 2010)</ref>


Co is survived by his wife Glenda and daughter Linnea Marie. His parents are Co Lian Seng and Emelina Legaspi Co.
Co is survived by his wife Glenda and daughter Linnea Marie. His parents are Co Lian Seng and Emelina Legaspi Co. At 22, his father migrated to the Philippines, married his Ilocana mother and had six children. Leonardo Co was their eldest and only son.<ref>[http://www.facebook.com/pages/Leonardo-L-Co-In-Memoriam/162637747108520 "Leonardo L Co: In Memoriam"] on Facebook</ref>
 
[[Image:Last_photo_of_Leonard_in_Leyte.jpg|250px|thumb|Recovered from the memory card of his camera with the date stamp "11/09/2010," this could be the last photo of Co in Leyte before the "encounter"<ref>[http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=166606970044931&set=a.162995757072719.27307.162637747108520&ref=nf  "Leonardo L Co: In Memoriam"] on Facebook</ref>]]
<br /><br />
----
==Hobbies==
==Hobbies==
* playing the harmonica (avorite repertoire: Chinese classical music)
* playing the harmonica (favorite repertoire: Chinese classical music)
* collection of protest and national liberation songs (from various countries)
* collection of protest and national liberation songs (from various countries)
* cooking  
* cooking
 
<br /><br />


----
==References==
==References==
----
* [https://sites.google.com/a/agham.org/justice-for-leonard-co/ Justice for Leonard Co, Sofronio Cortez and Julius Borromeo!]
* [http://www.facebook.com/pages/Leonardo-L-Co-In-Memoriam/162637747108520?ref=ts "Leonardo L Co: In Memoriam" on Facebook]
* [http://www.facebook.com/pages/Leonardo-L-Co-In-Memoriam/162637747108520?ref=ts "Leonardo L Co: In Memoriam" on Facebook]
<br /><br />
'''News Relating to Co's Death'''
* [http://www.interaksyon.com/article/56126/troops-to-be-charged-with-homicide-for-deaths-of-botanist-leonard-co-2-others Troops to be charged with homicide for deaths of botanist Leonard Co, 2 others] (Interaksyon, 1 March 2013)
* [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20110222-321531/Police-say-military-liable-for-botanists-death Police say military liable for botanist’s death] (PDI, 22 Feb 2011)
* [http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/visayas/view/20110202-317955/Raps-eyed-against-soldiers Raps eyed against soldiers] (PDI, 2 Feb 2011)
* [http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/visayas/view/20110129-317292/CHR-No-crossfire-in-Cos-death CHR: No crossfire in Co’s death] (PDI, 29 Jan 2011)
* [http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/01/21/11/pathologist-nixes-doj-findings-botanists-killing Pathologist nixes DOJ findings on botanist's killing] (ABS-CBN News, 21 Jan 2011)
* [http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/talkofthetown/view/20101225-310935/Death-of-a-botanist Death of a botanist] (PDI, 25 Dec 2010)
* [http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=639525&publicationSubCategoryId=75 The genius of Leonardo L. Co: The people's scientist and professor"] (Phil Star, 16 Dec 2010)
* [http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=637718&publicationSubCategoryId=67 AFP ready to file raps vs soldiers in botanist's death] (Phil Star, 10 Dec 2010)
* [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20101124-305049/UP-forensic-experts-to-autopsy-slain-botanists-companions UP forensic experts to autopsy slain botanist’s companions] (PDI, 24 Nov 2010)
* [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20101124-305049/UP-forensic-experts-to-autopsy-slain-botanists-companions UP forensic experts to autopsy slain botanist’s companions] (PDI, 24 Nov 2010)
* [http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/opinion/4070-leonard-the-plant-philanderer-lies-among-his-treasures?awesm=fbshare.me_AXfSz Leonard, the ‘plant philanderer,’ lies among his treasures] (Business Mirror, 22 Nov 2010)
* [http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/opinion/4070-leonard-the-plant-philanderer-lies-among-his-treasures?awesm=fbshare.me_AXfSz Leonard, the ‘plant philanderer,’ lies among his treasures] (Business Mirror, 22 Nov 2010)
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* [http://www.bulatlat.com/main/2010/11/20/leonard-co-scientist-for-the-people/2/ Leoonard Co: Scientist for the People] (Bulatlat, 20 Nov 2010)
* [http://www.bulatlat.com/main/2010/11/20/leonard-co-scientist-for-the-people/2/ Leoonard Co: Scientist for the People] (Bulatlat, 20 Nov 2010)
* [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20101120-304330/Slain-botanist-goes-home-to-UP Slain botanist goes home to UP] (PDI, 20 Nov 2010)
* [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20101120-304330/Slain-botanist-goes-home-to-UP Slain botanist goes home to UP] (PDI, 20 Nov 2010)
* [http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/11/18/10/scientists-seek-neutral-probe-botanists-killing Scientists seek neutral probe into botanist's killing] (ABS-CBN, 19 Nov 2010)
* [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20101119-304043/Slain-botanist-heard-begging-for-mercy Slain botanist heard begging for mercy] (PDI, 19 Nov 2010)
* [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20101119-304043/Slain-botanist-heard-begging-for-mercy Slain botanist heard begging for mercy] (PDI, 19 Nov 2010)
* [http://www.bworldonline.com/main/content.php?id=21504 No apologies offered for death of civilians] (Business World, 18 Nov 2010)
* [http://www.bworldonline.com/main/content.php?id=21504 No apologies offered for death of civilians] (Business World, 18 Nov 2010)
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* [http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/opinion/3874-thanks-professor-co Thanks, Professor Co] (Business Mirror, 17 Nov 2010)
* [http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/opinion/3874-thanks-professor-co Thanks, Professor Co] (Business Mirror, 17 Nov 2010)
* [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20101116-303583/Slain-botanist-known-for-his-work-on-medicinal-plants Slain botanist known for his work on medicinal plants] (PDI, 16 Nov 2010)
* [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20101116-303583/Slain-botanist-known-for-his-work-on-medicinal-plants Slain botanist known for his work on medicinal plants] (PDI, 16 Nov 2010)
 
<br /><br />
'''Blogs'''
'''Blogs'''
* [http://juliebarcelona.blogspot.com/ Rafflesia leonardi - honoring an unsung hero of Philippine Botany]
* [http://juliebarcelona.blogspot.com/ Rafflesia leonardi - honoring an unsung hero of Philippine Botany]
* [http://imphscience.wordpress.com/2010/11/17/leonardo-l-co-botanist-1953-2010/ Leonardo L. Co, Botanist (1953-2010)]
* [http://imphscience.wordpress.com/2010/11/17/leonardo-l-co-botanist-1953-2010/ Leonardo L. Co, Botanist (1953-2010)]
<br /><br /><br />
----


==Notes==
==Notes==
----
This document can be directly modified using a UP Webmail / CRS account. Other contributions may be coursed through psy@up.edu.ph  
This document can be directly modified using a UP Webmail / CRS account. Other contributions may be coursed through psy@up.edu.ph  
<br /><br />
<references/>


<references/>
[[Category:UP People]]
[[Category:UP People]]

Latest revision as of 14:42, 17 July 2013

Leonardo L. Co - photo by Leonard Co / Bonifacio Pasion

Leonardo L. Co is a prominent Filipino plant taxonomist and ethnobiologist. Born on December 29, 1953, Co served as a museum researcher at the University of the Philippines Institute of Biology (IB) and as senior botanist of Conservation International-Philippines.

Together with co-workers Sofronio G. Cortez and Julio 'Julius' Borromeo, Co died on November 15, 2010 after being caught in an alleged crossfire between the Philippine Army and an armed group in Kananga, Leyte. Doubts, however, are cast on whether there was really a crossfire as claimed by Lt. Col. Federico Tutaan of the 19th infantry Battalion. Later fact-finding mission found no evidence of such crossfire.[1] Co's death was "equated to the loss of a national treasure."[2]

Co was President of the Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society. His book, “Common Medicinal Plants in the Cordillera Region: A Trainor’s Manual for Community-Based Health Programs,” was published in 1989. New plant species like the 'meat' flower Rafflesia leonardi (named after him) were discovered by Co. An exceptionally rare species from Nueva Ecija and known from only one specimen, Mycaranthes leonardoi is an orchid also named after Co.[3]

According to his colleague, Dr Julie Barcelona, Co "spent most of his botanical career studying the forests of Luzon’s Sierra Madre. Leonard’s enthusiasm has motivated many students in the Philippines to pursue a career in Botany. His attitude towards the sincere pursuit and sharing of his knowledge in Plant Taxonomy has put real meaning to the words biodiversity conservation, scientist, endemic, endangered, capacity-building, participatory, community." [4]

"Mycaranthes leonardoi" - an orchid named after Leonardo Co. Photo by Ulysses Ferreras




Writings

Leonardo Co published 13 peer-reviewed articles and six books.[5]


Co's CV also lists his publications.


Membership

a documentary about Leonardo Co
  • Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society
  • UP Botanical Society
  • UP Mountaineers - 1978
  • Community Health, Education, Services and Training in Cordillera Region (Chestcore)
  • Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral sa Pilipino (SAMAPIL) - 1973[6]




Awards and Recognitions

  • Biodiversity Heritage Award from UNDP
  • "Immortal Life of Leonard Co" - a film in the making to be launched at the First International symposium of the Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society with the theme "Philippine Botanical Treasures and the Legacy of Leonard Co"




Personal Life

Co proudly told people that he's "double G.I." (genuine Ilocano and genuine Intsik (Chinese))[7]. He spoke Filipino (Tagalog), English, Mandarin, and Latin. Co attended the Philippine Chinese High School, where a world-renowned moss taxonomist, Benito Tan, took Co with him in his weekly mountain treks. Tan also gave Co his book "Flora of Manila."[8]

Co is survived by his wife Glenda and daughter Linnea Marie. His parents are Co Lian Seng and Emelina Legaspi Co. At 22, his father migrated to the Philippines, married his Ilocana mother and had six children. Leonardo Co was their eldest and only son.[9]

Recovered from the memory card of his camera with the date stamp "11/09/2010," this could be the last photo of Co in Leyte before the "encounter"[10]




Hobbies

  • playing the harmonica (favorite repertoire: Chinese classical music)
  • collection of protest and national liberation songs (from various countries)
  • cooking




References



News Relating to Co's Death



Blogs





Notes

This document can be directly modified using a UP Webmail / CRS account. Other contributions may be coursed through psy@up.edu.ph