Forester Arsenio B. Ella, a scientist conferred under the Scientific Career System and based at the DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) was chosen as one of the three Outstanding Filipinos (TOFIL) for 2013, a prestigious award co-established by JCI Senate Philippines and Insular Life Assurance Co. Ltd.

Forester Ella was awarded under the Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Development category.

A respected wood taxonomist, Forester Ella’s research focuses on the study and promotion of proper tapping of trees such as almaciga and pili to optimize resin production without damaging the tree. The resin of the almaciga tree is a high-priced export commodity which is used in the making of varnishes, lacquer, soap, paint, printing inks, linoleum, water proofing materials, among others.

Much of Forester Ella’s scientific works are geared towards promoting livelihood programs among indigenous communities through lectures and hands-on training on proper tapping of trees. One of his notable researches is the promotion of improved tapping of almaciga tree for sustained yield that is concluded to prolong the life span of almaciga tree, increase the quality of the tree’s resin production, increase the income of the tappers and help in the conservation program of the government since using almaciga for timber and lumber production is banned.

Forester Ella is a conferred scientist with a rank of Scientist III in the Scientific Career System, a reward and recognition program of the DOST and Civil Service Commission for highly productive scientific personnel in the government service.

Alongside Forester Ella, the other two awardees are Dr. Alfredo Mahar Francisco A. Lagmay from UP Diliman and DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson, who joined the roster of 120 other Filipinos who have been previously recognized as Outstanding Filipinos since 1988.

The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Awards is a joint project of the Insular Life and the JCI Senate Philippines to honor the country’s men and women who have made significant contributions to the advancement in his/her field of expertise, public welfare and national development. The TOFIL Awarding Ceremony is scheduled on January 29, 2014.

Forester Arsenio B. Ella, Scientist III, (center) together with Dr. Erlinda Mari Scientist I, with indigenous community members in Zambales in one of their outreach activities.


Forester Ella in field work and hands-on demonstration of collecting resin.