Dr. Divina M. Amalin
Conferred AY 2018-2019
Professional Profile:
I received my Bachelor of Science major in Entomology and Master of Science major in Entomology from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) in Los Baños, Laguna. My Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) major in Entomology degree was earned from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida.
I have a broad training and experience in research, teaching, and extension. My background in Entomological Research is strong, particularly in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with emphasis on the use of Biological Control agents as reflected in my publications and research achievements. I also have thorough training on taxonomy and biosystematics of spiders both of agricultural and medical importance.
For my Ph.D. research dissertation, I was able to prove that spiders are an important component of the natural enemy complex of citrus leafminers in South Florida. During my postdoctoral fellowship, I was one of the project leaders of the Florida and Offshore Biological Control Initiative: A cooperative Agreement between the University of Florida and USDA-APHIS-PPQ Eastern Region. I was Balik Scientist Program (BSP) awardee, long term category (2010-2012).
I hold the Board Member position of the newly established Balik Scientist Society of the Philippines, Inc. I’m also the founding head of the Biological Control Research Unit (BCRU) under the Center for Natural Science and Environmental Research Center (CENSER) of the De La Salle University, which is currently elevated to an institute, Institute of Biological Control (IoBC) in which I have assumed the directorship. Currently, I’m working on the IPM program for cacao pests in the Philippines and assumed the chairmanship for the ASEAN COCOA CLUB (ACC) Technical Working Group on Good Agricultural Practices.
I’m also involved in the control of coconut scale insect (Cocolisap) using biological control agents. My team at the Biological Control Research Unit discovered the parasitoid, Comperiella calauanica, which mitigate the outbreak from this invasive insect pest of coconut. This breakthrough pest control strategy was featured during the 5th DOST-NRDC peg as “Winning the War on Cocolisap Pest: The Nature’s Way” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LZwWSxpjSA).
I continue to work on Bio-Based Pest Management Technologies towards Strengthening Farming System in the Philippines in Response to Climate Change.
Working together to achieve Sustainable Agriculture means better future for the next generations to come!