“Shades of Majesty: 88 Philippine Native Trees,” a coffee-table book produced by the Aboitiz Group as an extension of its sustainability program was named the ‘Best Book of Science” at the 32nd National Book Awards held in November.

Under its sustainability program, the group has committed to plant three million trees in various parts of the country by 2015. With the help of volunteers from its business units through the annual simultaneous tree planning, it completed planting of more than 2.9 million trees by the end of 2013.

The book, written by Pastor Malabrigo, Jr. and James LaFrankie, Jr. and published by Wide Angle Media and Project Brio Media House, features different tree species which are endemic to the Philippines, including the rare toog (Petersianthus quadrilatus) tree, said to be one of the world’s ten tallest trees with a height that could reach more than 90 meters.

“It is accurate, meticulous, thoroughly researched, and significant. [It is] both a rigorous scientific book and a good read for the general public…” the citation for “Shades of Majesty” read.

Aside from the usual list of references, the book also features a historical list of persons who first published the names of the trees.

The 32nd National Book Awards, which recognize the best books written, designed, and published in the Philippines, was presented by the National Book Development Board and Manila Critics Circle in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.