Dr. Escobin is one of the country's experts in wood identification. He has several remarkable contributions in the field: One is the implementation of the Executive Order 23, enabling the government to run after the illegal loggers and ship owners who transport illegal lumber. The others are numerous published works, of which the latest is the "Revised Wood Identification Handbook for Philippine Timbers," a much awaited resource for the private and government-based institutions and the academe. Dr. Escobin also serves as the curator of the Forest Product and Development Institute (FPRDI) Herbarium and Xylarium. He came by being a scientist by chance. But he conquered the field and stayed on top. Other than wood, he loves sports and he loves being a doting grandfather.

Dr. Mari, who has fondness for nature dedicates her expertise to environmentally sound projects, such as wastewater management and paper recycling projects. A chemical engineering graduate, Dr. Mari specialized and came to be recognized in the use of paper mill sludge in asphalt roads. She was conferred a Scientist I rank in 1998.