As a center for research and documentation of Philippine biota, the UPLB Museum of Natural History's (MNH) primary role is to take care its most valuable resources - its hundreds of thousands of holdings of precious biological specimens, the preserved records of its life forms, of the Philippines’ natural heritage.
Even as most of the funds and administration of biodiversity R and D projects in the university does not always come from or go through the MNH or any of its sections, the museum still manages to undertake important research in fulfilment of its objectives as a research institution.
Below are the documented projects conducted by the Museum and its personnel. These projects are:
- those which receive financial and/or personnel support, in part or solely, from the MNH Core Budget or Revolving Funds;
- UPLB – or externally funded but based or administered through the MNH, i.e. papers processed through or endorsed by the Office of the MNH Director;
- officially sanctioned collaborative research between MNH and other UPLB units, or other government/ private agencies; or
- student researches conducted in the MNH and coordinated/supervised by MNH Core or Affiliate staff.
Curatorial activities other than routine maintenance are also here counted as research- related activities. These include, among others, inventory, cataloguing and computerization of accessions.
UPLB-CHED PHERNET Study: Databasing of UPLB research results and Natural Museum enhancement
MVO Espaldon, DM Macandog, IL Lit, Jr., MP De Leon, MP Sotto, ADC Larona
Fund: Commission on Higher Education
Implementation: 2013 to 2014
Isolation, identification and characterization of fungi from plant litters of Mt. Makiling
MP de Leon and MM Baldovino
Fund: UPLB MNH Core Fund
Implementation: On-going
Assessment of the fungal diversity of guano and guano-enriched soil of Cueva Santa Cave, Quezon Protected Landscape, Atimonan, Quezon Province
MP de Leon and MM Baldovino
Fund: UPLB MNH Core Fund
Implementation: On-going
Preservation in sterile soil of actinomycetes deposited in the UPLB MNH Microbial Culture Collection
MP de Leon and MM Baldovino
Fund: UPLB MNH Core Fund
Implementation: On-going
Purity and identity check of the microbial strains deposited in the UPLB MNH Microbial Culture Collection
MP de Leon, NG Sabino and MM Baldovino
Fund: UPLB MNH Core Fund
Implementation: On-going
The Orthoptera of the Philippines: origin and diversification of endemic species
SA Yap
Fund: MNHN, Paris, France
Implementation: On-going
Systematics of Philippine weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
SA Yap
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: On-going
Laboratory mass rearing of five lepidopteran insects pest to be used for field efficacy testing of insect-protected maize and studies on non- target arthropods – Phase 3
IL Lit, Jr.
Fund: SYGENTA Philippines
Implementation: 2011 to 2013
Monitoring of key non-target arthropods in transgenic maize lines containing events DAS- Ø15Ø7-1 and the combined trait troduct DAS- Ø15Ø7-1 x MON-ØØ81Ø-6 x MON-ØØ6Ø3-6: 2011 Philippines field study
IL Lit, Jr., SA Yap, OL Eusebio and AR Larona
Fund: UPLB-FI-Pioneer Hi-bred Phils., Inc.
Implementation: 2011 to 2012
Naujan Lake Natural Park: Environmental and socio-economic profile study
IL Lit, Jr., PA Alviola, SA Yap, MAP de Leon, ES Fernando
MBCFI
Implementation: 2011
Identification and monitoring of new viral strains from potential disease carrier, the fruit bat (Pteropus sp.)
PA Alviola, EA Cosico and EG Eres
Nagoya University, UPLB College of Veterinary Medicine and UPLB MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 2010
Isolation and characterization of lactic acid bacteria from bats of Marinduque caves
MP de Leon and MM Baldovino
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 2010
Exploration of the microbial diversity of caves in the Philippines and its biotechnological potential: Isolation and identification of bacteria and fungi from soils of Bulalon and Mapanghe Caves in Polillo Island, Quezon
MP de Leon and MM Baldovino
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 2010
Systematics of Auchenorrhyncha (Insecta: Hemiptera) of the Philippines: Fulgoromorpha and Cicadomorpha
SA Yap
Fund: MNHN-France
Implementation: 2010 to present
Mt. Makiling Biodiversity Research Project
IL Lit, Jr.
Fund: IBS-CHED
Implementation: 2010
Arthropod profile of delayed ripening papaya fruits
IL Lit, Jr.
Fund: UPLB-IPB Core Fund
Implementation: 2010
Diversity of arthropods in selected Philippine caves
IL Lit, Jr., ALA Barrion-Dupo, SA Yap, OL Eusebio and AR Larona
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 2010 to present
Studies on the effects of New GM Corn hybrids on aboveground non-target arthropod communities: Phase 2
IL Lit, Jr., KO Abenis, JF Laquinta, NA Manalo and BC Fallarcuna
Fund: Monsanto Phils., Inc
Implementation: 2010
Studies on the effects of New GM Corn hybrids on aboveground non-target arthropod communities: Phase 1 extended
IL Lit, Jr., KO Abenis, JF Laquinta, NA Manalo and BC Fallarcuna
Fund: Monsanto Phils., Inc.
Implementation: 2010
Small mammals in low-elevation mountains of Luzon Island
LE Afuang, PA Alviola, EA Cosico and EG Eres
Fund: UPLB Basic Research
Implementation: 2009 to present
Isolation and characterization of Staphylococcus aureus from bats of Kweba Santa Cave, Quezon National Park, Atimonan, Quezon
MP de Leon and MM Baldovino
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 2009 to present
Isolation and characterization of lactic acid bacteria from bats of Kweba Santa Cave, Quezon National Park, Atimonan, Quezon
MP de Leon and MM Baldovino
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 2009 to present
A survey on the microbial diversity of Kweba Santa Cave, Quezon National Park, Atimonan, Quezon
MP de Leon and MM Baldovino
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 2009 to present
Isolation of microorganisms from soil samples collected from Mapanghe and Bulalon Caves, Polillo Islands, Quezon Province
MP de Leon and MM Baldovino
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 2009
Patterns of trophic relationships between planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) and their host plants on the Philippine Islands
SA Yap
Fund: MNHN-France
Implementation: 2009 to present
Studies on Non-target organisms on MON 89034 and MON89034/NK603: Aboveground communities of arthropods in regulated field trial sites in Luzon and Mindanao
IL Lit, Jr., SA Yap, OL Eusebio and AR Larona
Fund: UPLB FI-Monsanto
Implementation: 2009
Identification and monitoring of new viral strains from potential disease carrier, the fruit bat (Pteropus sp.)
PA Alviola, EA Cosico, EG Eres
Implementation: 2009
Investigation of presence of zoonotic diseases in bats in eco-tourism sites in the Philippines
PA Alviola, JDV Alvarez, EA Cosico and EG Eres
Fund: DOH-Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and UPLB MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 2008 to present
Using bats as biological monitor for environmental pollution
PA Alviola, EA Cosico and EG Eres
Fund: University of Tokyo, UPLB College of Veterinary Medicine and UPLB MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 2008 to present
Investigation of presence of zoonotic diseases in bats in the Philippines
PA Alviola, JDV Alvarez, EA Cosico and EG Eres
Fund: University of Tokyo, UPLB College of Veterinary Medicine and UPLB MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 2008 to present
The Philippine small mammals project
PA Alviola, EA Cosico and EG Eres
Fund: Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, USA
Implementation: 2008 to present
The accuracy of locally-based participatory biodiversity monitoring in protected areas in the Philippines
PA Alviola
Fund: Danish Foreign Ministry and the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau, Philippines
Implementation: 2008 to present
Cave wildlife diversity in the Philippines
PA Alviola, JDV Alvarez, EA Cosico and EG Eres
Fund: UPLB Basic Research
Implementation: 2008 to present
Exploration of the microbial diversity of caves in the Philippines: Bacterial biofilm formation in the caves of Malay, Aklan
MP de Leon and MM Baldovino
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 2008 to present
Exploration of the microbial diversity of caves in the Philippines and its biotechnological potential: Bacterial biofilm formation in Mapanghe and Bulalon Caves in Polillo Island, Quezon
MP de Leon and MM Baldovino
Fund: UPLB Basic Research
Implementation: 2009
Studies on the captive behavior of Selected Philippine Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) for research and extension purposes
SA Yap, IL Lit, Jr., OL Eusebio and AR Larona
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 2009 to present
Systematics of Philippine Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) with emphasis on the Pachyrrhynchines in selected forested areas of Southern Luzon
SA Yap
Fund: UPLB Basic Research
Implementation: 2009 to present
Taxonomy of Philippine Walking Stick Insects (Phasmatodea)
IL Lit, Jr., OL Eusebio and RB Duque
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 2009 to present
Biodiversity of soil arthropods in selected pre- and post-land conversion ecosystems and their role in maintaining soil fertility
IL Lit, Jr. and AM Capricho
Fund: DOST-NRCP
Implementation: 2008
Exploration of the microbial diversity of caves in the Philippines and its biotechnological potential: Isolation and identification of bacteria and fungi from soils of Bulalon and Mapanghe Caves, Polillo, Quezon
MA Pulido
Fund: UPLB Basic Research
Implementation: 2007 to 2009
Systematics of Geometridae in selected forested areas in Luzon
ALA Barrion-Dupo
Fund: UPLB Basic Research
Implementation: 2006 to 2007
Terrestrial arthropod biodiversity in conservation priority areas – Part 1: Biodiversity of selected groups of soil, litter and lower canopy insects and mites of Polillo Island
IL Lit, Jr.
Fund: UPLB Basic Research
Implementation: 2006 to 2009
Effectiveness of the MNH Lecture Guide and Brochure in enhancing the cognitive learning of Grade V students
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Inventory, cataloguing and computerized data-basing of MNH biological holdings
IL Lit, Jr.
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 2006 to present
Harnessing mycorrhizal symbiosis in mixed Dipterocarpaceae – Acacia mangium forest plantation in Malaysia and the Philippines: Establishment of an ectomycorrhizal herbarium and culture collection
TH Quimio and MA Mangonon
Fund: European Economic Commission
Implementation: 1999
The UPLB Mushroom Mycelium Bank
TH Quimio and H Necesario
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 1999
Collection, classification and cultivation of indigenous plants of the Philippines
ZN Sierra, EG Eres, MAO Cajano, DB Tolentino, AC Soligam, IE Buot Jr. and NK Torreta
Fund: MNH Core Fund and CHED-IBS
Implementation: 1999
The tribe Aspidiotini (Diaspididae, Coccoidea, Hemiptera) in the Philippines: I – The Genus Lindingaspis MacGillivray
IL Lit, Jr.
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 1999
Systematics of Philippine Oribatid soil mites
LC Raros, RC Garcia and FG Juanillas
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 1999
Spore- and seed-bearing plants of Mt. Pulag, Kabayan, Benguet
LB Cardenas and MAO Cajano
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 1999
Inventory, Cataloguing and computerization of biological holdings in the UPLB MNH
AC Sumalde
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 1999
A survey of freshwater fishes of the Family Cyprinidae in Northern Palawan and Busuanga Islands, Philippines
JCT Gonzalez and CS Torno
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 1999
Isolation, systematics and molecular phylogeny of microorganisms living in natural environment
PC Sanchez, ASA Dalisay and N Balita
Fund: ANMR-RIKEN-Japan
Implementation: 1998 to 2000
Information sharing with network for research and development on microbes among distributed centers
PC Sanchez and LM Tapay
Fund: ANMR-RIKEN-Japan
Implementation: 1998 to 2000
Establishment of microbial culture collection network
PC Sanchez and LM Tapay
Fund: ANMR-RIKEN-Japan
Implementation: 1998 to 2000
Characteristics analysis of microorganisms for utilization of unused tropical plant resources and process
PC Sanchez, MA Pulido and VDB Carta
Fund: ANMR-RIKEN-Japan
Implementation: 1998 to 2000
Investigation and collection of lactic acid and acetic acid bacteria from natural resources in Southeast Asia
PC Sanchez, GA Veluz and TP Latayan
Fund: ANMR-RIKEN-Japan
Implementation: 1998 to 2000
The tribe Aspidiotini (Diaspididae, Coccoidea, Hemiptera) in the Philippines: I – The Genus Lindingaspis MacGillivray and Chrysomphalus Ashmead
IL Lit, Jr.
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 1998
Arthropod pests of bamboos: Taxonomy, biology, natural enemies and host plant resistance.
Study 1 – Taxonomic survey of insects and other arthropods associated with Philippines bamboos and the natural enemy complexes of pest species
Study 2 – Biology and host plant resistance of the most important arthropod pests of vegetable, ornamental and industrial species of bamboos
ML Lit, IL Lit, Jr., MA Capricho, NC Villegas, LV Punzalan
Fund: UPLB Basic Research Program
Implementation: 1998 to 1999
Guide to Philippine predatory mites
LC Raros and FG Juanillas
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 1998 to 1999
Taxonomic studies of some Philippine predatory mites
LC Raros
Fund: EW Baker Fellowship, International Journal of Acarology, Michigan, USA
Implementation: 1998
Systematics of Philippine Oribatid soil mites
LC Raros
Fund: UPLB Research Trust Fund
Implementation: 1998
Documentation of some interesting spore- and seed-bearing plants of Mt. Pulag, Kabayan, Benguet
NO Aguilar and MAO Cajano
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 1998
Preparation of handbook with photographs and leaflets on some interesting and indigenous vascular plants of Mt. Isarog, Camarines Sur
LB Cardenas and MAO Cajano
Fund: UPLB Basic Research
Implementation: 1998 to 1999
Inventory of specimens of birds and mammals in the Dr. DS Rabor Wildlife Collection for the development of a computerized database for cataloguing
PA Alviola III, JCT Gonzalez and EA Cosico
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 1998
Inventory, Cataloguing and computerization of accessions in the Mycological Herbarium
TH Quimio and MM Baldovino
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 1998
Inventory, Cataloguing and computerization of accessions in the Museum of Natural History’s Integrated Exhibits
AC Sumalde, JA Evangelista and MM Baldovino
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 1998
Catalogue of types in the Acarological Collection, Entomological Museum, UPLB-MNH
LC Raros
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 1998
Inventory, Cataloguing and computerization of all accessions in the Entomological Museum
IL Lit, Jr. and OL Eusebio
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 1998
Inventory, Cataloguing and computerization of all accessions in the Botanical Herbarium – Vascular Plants and Bryophytes
NO Aguilar, MAO Cajano, MCN Banaticla, MAG Sanchez, DG Legasca, NA Realista, FH Mandia, JA Evangelista, FG Juanillas
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 1998
Inventory, Cataloguing and computerization of all accessions in the UPLB MNH
AC Sumalde
Fund: MNH Core Fund
Implementation: 1998
Mites of Mt. Makiling
LC Raros and RC Garcia
Fund: UPLB Basic Research
Implementation: 1997
Insect biodiversity of Mt. Banahao de Lucban
IL Lit, Jr.
Fund: CHED-SLPC
Implementation: 1997
Taxonomy of Philippine armored scale insects (Diaspididae, Coccoidea, Hemiptera)
IL Lit, Jr. and JM Pelegrina
Fund: UPLB Basic Research
Implementation: 1997
Screening of high cellulose-producing acetic acid bacterial strains on agricultural products and wastes and optimization of fermentation conditions
PC Sanchez, MA Pulido, RI Lanao and ND Balita
Fund: ANMR-RIKEN-Japan
Implementation: 1997
Legumes and grasses of Mt. Makiling
NO Aguilar
Fund: UPLB Basic Research
Implementation: 1997
Insects associated with Philippine endangered plants. I. Preliminary survey on the jade vine, Strongylodon macrobotrys A. Gray
IL Lit, Jr.
Implementation: 1997
Microbial diversity in Mt. Makiling and its biotechnological exploitation
PC Sanchez and VDB Carta
Fund: UPLB Basic Research
Implementation: 1997
Amylolytic activities of thermophilic bacteria and yeasts isolated from Mt. Makiling, Philippines
PC Sanchez, MA Pulido, RI Lanao and ND Balita
Fund: ANMR-RIKEN-Japan
Implementation: 1997
Systematic collection and maintenance of wild and indigenous plant species with promising economic value in the Philippines
NO Aguilar, N Orlido and D Valencia
Fund: Haribon
Implementation: 1993
Survey of arthropods associated with Philippine bamboos
MC Lit and IL Lit, Jr.
Fund: UPLB Basic Research
Implementation: 1991 to 1993
Control of melon thrips, Thrips palmi, by the Anthocorid bug, Orius tantillus Motsch.
VJ Calilung, MD Malabayabas and RP Urriza
Fund: UPLB-DOST
Implementation: 1991 to 1994
Taxonomic studies on legumes in the Philippines Phase I. Papilionaceae
NO Aguilar and MD Malabayabas
Fund: UPLB Basic Research
Implementation: 1990 to 1992
Helminth parasites of Philippine wildlife
SL Eduardo
Implementation: 1990
Taxonomy of Philippine armored scale insects (Diaspididae, Coccoidea, Hemiptera)
IL Lit, Jr. and JM Pelegrina
Fund: UPLB Basic Research
Implementation: 1990 to 1994
Taxonomic characterization of some unclassified bacterial strains in the MNH-MCC using reference strains in the Japan Collection of Microorganisms
Implementation: 1989 to 1990
Inventory of Philippine scale insects and mealybugs (Coccoidea)
IL Lit, Jr.
Implementation: 1989 to 1990
Taxonomy of Philippine leaf beetles (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae)
VJ Calilung, EA Cosico and MR Ravanera
Fund: UPLB Basic Research
Implementation: 1989 to 1992
Taxonomy of Philippine Typhlocybinae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)
VP Gapud and JD Recuenco
Fund: UPLB Basic Research
Implementation: 1988 to 1991
Evaluation of promising natural enemies of the Ipil-ipil Psyllid, Heteropsylla cubana Crawford
CR Baltazar and LB Flor
Fund: UPLB-PCARRD-RRDP
Implementation: 1987 to 1990
Systematics of Philippines mealybugs (Pseudococcidae, Hemiptera)
VJ Calilung and IL Lit, Jr.
Fund: UPLB Basic Research
Implementation: 1985 to 1987
