Ella Wins 2015 NAST Environmental Science Award
May 05, 2015
Forester Arsenio B. Ella, Scientist III, bagged last 22 April 2015 this year’s National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) Environmental Science Award for his study “Enhancing the adaptive capacity of the indigenous peoples by promoting sustainable and community-based resin tapping of almaciga (Agathis philippinensis Warb.) in selected Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) areas in Palawan and Sierra Madre, Aurora.” The finalists’ paper presentation and awarding ceremony were held at New World Manila Bay Hotel in Malate.
Ella’s co-winner was Dr. Severino G. Salmo III of Ateneo de Manila University who presented his paper on “Assessment of vegetation and soil conditions in restored mangroves interrupted by severe tropical typhoon ‘Chan-hom’ in the Philippines”. They received PhP50,000 each and a plaque of recognition from NAST, additional PhP50,000 from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and certificate of DOST Secretary’s Grant for the Environment of One Million Pesos for an approved research proposal.
“With climate change adversely affecting our forest ecosystems, the protection and sustainable use of forest tree species, particularly the vulnerable ones such as almaciga, become all the more imperative. We want to educate indigenous people groups on the proper methods of harvesting almaciga resin in a way that will not compromise its survival,” explained Ella.
The almaciga resin, also known as Manila copal, is used as a raw material for varnish, lacquers and adhesives, among others, and is an important export commodity. The Philippines is its second largest producer after Indonesia.
Ella has spent the last 41 years studying wood anatomy and promoting proper methods of harvesting resins and other exudates from various Philippine trees. His passion for the environment has brought him to the country’s remotest mountain communities, training various indigenous peoples (IPs) such as the Bontocs, Mangyans, Dumagats, Aetas, Palau-an, Tagbanuas, Bataks, Mandayas, Maranao, Manobos, Isnegs, Bugkalots on the use of tapping standards he himself formulated. His initiatives have not only helped preserve resin-producing trees, but also created livelihood for tribal communities.
The Board of Judges for the NAST Award was composed of National Scientist Angel C. Alcala, former DENR Secretary; National Scientist Mercedes B. Concepcion, Academician Libertado C. Cruz, Academician Quintin L. Kintanar, Academician Angel L. Lazaro III and National Scientist Bienvenido F. Nebres, SJ. ### (Moreno L. Santander Jr. & Rizalina K. Araral, 05 May 2015)
