Fidel earned his degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Entomology in Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Bukidnon in 1992. In school, he became a member of the Philippine Association of Agriculturists and presently his membership is still active.
After graduating from CMU, his involvement with insects started. In 1994, he became a research associate of the project “Feasibility Study of Non Traditional Non Timber Forest Products (e.g. insects) as Alternative Livelihood in Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park” particularly in Intavas, Impasugong, Bukidnon. The project was implemented by the UPLB Foundation, Inc. funded by USAID through the ERDS-DENR Region 10, in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon as the cooperating agency.
In 1997, he was sent to San Luis, Agusan del Sur by the USAID to monitor the infestation of Lyssa menoteus, a night black moth that attacked or defoliated the gubas plantation of Casilayan Softwood Development Corporation. He studied the biology, occurrence of the moth and conducted also mitigation how to suppress the insect pest. He was also involved in the study of bark beetle infestation that attacked the apitong tree in CSDC concession area.
When the project ended, he went to Cebu City to find a new perspective in life. On June 1999, he was employed as curator of the University of San Carlos Entomological Collection, a position of which he currently holds. He maintains, collects and classify macroinvertebrates particularly insects found in different parts of the country. He was involved in expeditions conducted in Mt. Talinis, Negros Oriental, Loboc, Bohol, Leyte and Surigao region in Mindanao. He also attended many seminars, symposium and conventions related to his profession as an entomologist.
He pursued his Master of Science in Biology in USC last March 2013. He presented his master’s thesis entitled “Species Composition, Abundance and Distribution of Seawater Bugs in Badian, Cebu, Philippines” during the International Convention on West Philippine Sea” in Puerto Princesa, Palawan last February 2016. The thesis was published in the Journal of Aquatic Science.
Last December 2014 to March 2015, he was a team member in the “Rapid Assessment of Four Underwater Cave System in the Philippines” which is a collaborative project between the Filipino Cave Divers, Department of Biology, University of San Carlos, Biodiversity Management Bureau, DENR and GIZ. He presented the output as a poster during the “National Biodiversity Convention” held in MRC/LRC, USC Talamban, Cebu City and during the “First Philippine Cave and Karst Forum” last November 9-10, 2016 held in the National Museum- Manila, as co-author of the report.
Fidel is thrilled to join the scientific team of the FCD as the in-house entomologist.
Filipino Cave Divers 