05/06/2026
🎉 Celebrating Excellence in Philippine Biodiversity Research! 🇵🇭🦗
The Team TAXoN Auchenorrhyncha proudly celebrates the achievements of our researchers and students at the 43rd Annual Scientific Meeting & International Symposium of the Association of Systematic Biologists of the Philippines (ASBP).
These studies may focus on insects, but they tell a much bigger story about the rich natural heritage of the Philippines and why it is worth protecting for future generations.
🥈 Young Systematic Biologists’ Forum (Graduate, Cluster A) | 2nd Place
Congratulations to Rio S. Antion and co-authors Gerwin T. Alcalde, Elorde Jr. S. Crispolon, and Sheryl A. Yap for earning Second Place with their paper:
“Auchenorrhyncha Diversity Across Different Forest Types of Mt. Tapulao, Zambales, Philippines”
The research explored the diversity of true hoppers, a group of insects that includes cicadas, leafhoppers, spittlebugs, treehoppers, and planthoppers. By studying these insects across different forest habitats and elevations, the team uncovered valuable information about the health and complexity of mountain ecosystems.
These small insects may often go unnoticed, but they can tell us a great deal about the condition of our forests and the importance of conserving them.
Team TAXoN Auchenorrhyncha is incredibly proud of this achievement and the dedication behind it.
🔍 Discovering New Species in the Philippines
We also congratulate Gerwin T. Alcalde, Sheryl A. Yap, and Thierry Bourgoin for presenting their study:
“The Global Hub of a Tribe: Unveiling the Unmatched Diversity of Philippine Bennini”
The research documented ten species previously unknown to science, highlighting the Philippines as one of the world's most important centers of biodiversity.
Every new species discovered helps us better understand how life evolved on our islands and reminds us that there is still so much left to learn about the natural world around us.
🦗 Exploring the Hidden Insect Diversity of Cotabato
The Team TAXoN Auchenorrhyncha would also like to recognize the undergraduate students of the University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan: Chime Jashtine Crispolon, John Francis Adrian C. Delos Reyes, Erlyn May Gener, Klent Dave Ortilano, Hazel Joy Pastilloso, and Jovince Talinguez, under the mentorship of Elorde Jr. S. Crispolon and Sheryl A. Yap.
Their poster presentations:
“The Hidden World of True Hoppers (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha) in Cotabato Province, Mindanao, Philippines” and “The Assassins of Cotabato: A Preliminary Survey of Assassin Bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in Cotabato Province, Mindanao, Philippines”
shed light on insect groups that are rarely studied but play important roles in nature and agriculture.
Some true hoppers can affect crops, while others help scientists understand the health of ecosystems. Assassin bugs, on the other hand, are natural predators that feed on other insects and may help reduce agricultural pests naturally.
🌱 Why Does This Matter?
Every plant, animal, and insect has a role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. By documenting and studying biodiversity, scientists help us understand what species live in our forests and farms, how they interact, and how we can better protect them.
The discoveries and achievements of these researchers and students show that there is still much to learn about the Philippines' extraordinary biodiversity. Their work not only advances science but also contributes to conservation, sustainable agriculture, and environmental awareness.
Congratulations to all the awardees, presenters, mentors, and students. Your passion, hard work, and curiosity continue to inspire future generations of Filipino scientists.
The TAXoN-Auchenorrhyncha team would also like to acknowledge Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle (MNHN), Paris and Department of Science and Technology-National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) for support
