FPRDI places in NRCP Scientific Poster Competition
April 2, 2013
FPRDI Scientist Arsenio B. Ella and his team’s poster won 3rd prize in the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) Cluster IV Scientific Poster Competition held during NRCP’s 80th General Membership Assembly last 13 March 2013 at the Manila Hotel.
Titled “Wood Anatomy and Related Properties of Naturally Grown Philippine Teak (Tectona philippinensis Benth. & Hook. f.)”, the poster highlights the physical, macroscopic, anatomical and strength characteristics of Philippine teak and its potential as a first-class timber.
“At present, there is a growing interest among forestry experts to fully utilize the country’s native tree species. As there is limited information about the Philippine teak, determining its properties may help in its full utilization as a raw material, and contribute to the development of high-end wood products,” noted Ella.
Predominantly found in Southern and Northwestern Batangas, and Occidental Mindoro, Philippine teak’s wood is heavy and durable, making it a good construction material and substitute for molave (Vitex parviflora Juss.). Its woody stem is used locally in making tables, stairways, benches and flooring. It also serves as a coastal zone stabilizer and helps prevent the occurrence of landslides in erosion-prone areas.
Ella’s team is composed of Ms. Elvina O. Bondad, Chief of the Physics and Mechanics Section; and For. Florena B. Samiano and For. Emmanuel P. Domingo, Science Research Specialist 1 and Science Research Assistant, respectively, at the Anatomy and Forest Botany Section. Their poster bested 18 other entries in the biological sciences, agriculture and forestry, and veterinary medicine category.
In 2003, Ella received the NRCP Research Achievement Award in Agriculture and Forestry. ### (Apple Jean C. Martin, 20 March 2013)
