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The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) Pest Evaluation, Surveillance, and Treatment Laboratory (PESTLab) through the Extension Services Office (ESO), recently hosted an intensive two-day seminar-workshop, “Termite Talk 2025: Structural Pest Management Workshop for Future Entomologists.” Held on October 23-24, 2025, at the USM Main Campus in Kabacan, Cotabato, the event brought together Entomology students from USM and the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP)- Mabini Campus.
The workshop was strategically designed to sharpen the students’ knowledge and skills in termite biology, ecology, damage assessment, and integrated control strategies. The program blended comprehensive tours, expert lectures, and crucial hands-on field activities.
The first day kicked off with an immersive tour spearheaded by Sir Joeseph Quisado and USM’s 4th-year Entomology students. USeP visitors were first welcomed into the Arthropod Biodiversity and Conservation Laboratory, where they examined a collection of over 20,000 preserved insects.
Following the tour, the students attended a seminar led by industry specialists from Rentokil Initial Philippines. Jelly B. Rivera presented valuable insights into the “Characterization of Termites,” while Christopher M. Catalan shared his expertise on “Pest (Termites) Management and Control.”
The second day focused on field application, beginning with an inspection of the termite-infested areas within the USM library. Quisado used this practical session to lead an in-depth discussion on the significant risks posed by unaddressed infestations.
“The wooden furniture and materials here in the library are typical nesting sites for termites. If unnoticed or untreated, this could lead to accidents, especially due to nails protruding behind the wood, particularly in the chairs,” he cautioned.
To transition from theory to practice, the group moved to the Nursing Building to execute a crucial termite mount destruction activity. The students successfully breached a termite chamber, meticulously collecting samples and searching for the queen termite. The samples were then transported to the Science&Technology (S&T) Laboratory for detailed microscopic analysis.
The program culminated with the awarding of certificates, facilitated by USeP Entomology faculty member, Catherine Quisado. Participants shared their experiences, emphasizing the event’s pivotal role in preparing them for their future careers.
Elengene Abuloc, an Entomology student from USeP, particularly commended USM’s hospitality and facilities. “First of all, thank you for your warm accommodation. We were amazed by your facilities—it feels like everything is here, and all you have to do is study well. It’s more motivating to learn when you have the right place for these kinds of activities,” Abuloc stated.
She concluded by highlighting the hands-on learning: “In two days, I learned so much. I thought we were just going to listen, but to my surprise, we even conducted a mount destruction. All in all, we learned a lot and know that we are being strategically prepared for something better in the field of entomology.”
The seminar-workshop successfully cemented the collaborative effort between USM and USeP, effectively equipping the next generation of entomologists with essential theoretical knowledge and practical structural pest management skills.
