Three outstanding Filipinos bag TOFIL 2013 Awards

MANILA, Philippines - “What is a hero?” asked Insular Life chairman of the board and CEO Vicente Ayllon, during the recent awarding ceremony of The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Awards 2013 at the Insular Life Corporate Centre in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

On its 26th year, TOFIL witnessed a time of tumultuous events and natural disasters that once again showed the indomitable spirit of the Filipinos. The hope and resiliency of the people, together with the generosity of the citizens of the world, only reminded everyone that each one can make a difference. And as Ayllon stressed, “we can also be heroes, and we can be extraordinary in our ordinary lives.”

With no less than President Aquino as guest speaker, Insular Life and JCI Senate Philippines awarded the prestigious award to three outstanding Filipinos, who symbolize all the untiring modern-day heroes. Joining the roster of 120 other Filipinos who have been previously recognized as Outstanding Filipinos are: Dr. Arsenio Ella for Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Development, Dr. Alfredo Mahar Francisco Lagmay for Geology and Earth Sciences, and Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson for Government and Public Service.

Ella is a Filipino scientist noted for his wood anatomy expertise at the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI) of the Department of Science and Technology. He has spent nearly four decades studying and promoting the proper methods of harvesting resins from various Philippine trees, including the world-renowned Manila elemi. The methods not only help prolong the life of trees, but also create livelihood opportunities, particularly among indigenous communities, and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Lagmay is a professor at the National Institute of Geological Sciences of the University of the Philippines. He devotes most of his time working on major Philippine disasters and conducting research on geological hazards and volunteer work in areas stricken by disaster. He currently serves as the executive director of the Nationwide Operational Assessments of Hazards (NOAH), more popularly known as Project NOAH, the disaster prevention and mitigation program of the DOST.

As an acknowledged “disaster expert,” Lagmay has been instrumental in saving thousands of lives by sharing his scientific knowledge, hands-on experience in search and rescue and forensic analyses, passion and advocacy in promoting the culture of safety and disaster preparedness.

Before joining the Cabinet, Secretary Singson served in various senior positions in the private sector and was also chairman and president of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority. President Aquino acknowledged Singson’s contributions to stemming corruption and implementing efficiency in a government agency that has gained notoriety for rendering bad service and overpriced projects.

The TOFIL Awards is a joint project of Insular Life and the JCI Senate since 1998 to honor the country’s men and women, 41 years and above, who have contributed significantly to the upliftment of the lives of others.