Author: GSD

Geologic quadrangle mapping is one of the regular mandated functions of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau. It aims to produce updated reconnaissance geological maps of 1:50,000 scale. Each quadrangle map sheet covers a specific area of the Philippines which is about 48,600 hectares on the average. The index map showing the distribution of these quadrangle maps is maintained by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA). Under the quadrangle mapping activity, it is envisioned that the entire land area of the country will eventually have a geological map of 1:50,000 scale. The topographic map of each quadrangle sheet is printed and sold by NAMRIA. These topographic maps are used as base maps for the reconnaissance geological mapping. In Caraga Region, there are 54 quadrangle sheets covering the entire region; of these, only 20 quadrangle sheets have published/unpublished geology while the rest are still to be mapped. The CY 2018 continue reading : MGB RXIII accomplishes 2018 Geologic Quadrangle Mapping target

In line with the National Groundwater Resource Mapping and Assessment Program of the DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau, a technical team from the Geosciences Division of MGB Regional Office No. XIII carried out the Groundwater Resource Mapping and Assessment from June 25 to July 4, 2018 in Surigao City. The said project was undertaken in coordination with the personnel from Surigao City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Surigao City Engineering Office and Surigao Metropolitan Water District. Surigao del Norte is one of the target provinces of MGB RXIII for the said project this CY 2018. Earlier this year, the mapping project was conducted in other municipalities of Surigao del Norte which include Alegria, Bacuag, Burgos, Claver, Dapa, Del Carmen, General Luna, Gigaquit, Mainit, Pilar, Placer, San Benito, San Francisco, San Isidro, Santa Monica, Sison, Socorro, Tagana-an and Tubod. The MGB RXIII technical team comprised Ms. Elaine L. Galido, Supervising Geologist; Ms. continue reading : MGB RXIII carries out Groundwater Resource Mapping and Assessment in Surigao City

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII conducted its Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign on the Results of Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (VRA) Project and Training-Workshop on Understanding Risk Exposure Maps on June 28-29, 2018 in Butuan City and Buenavista, Province of Agusan del Norte. Below are the pre-identified groupings of participants for discussions during the workshop. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII conducted its Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign on the Results of Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (VRA) Project and Training-Workshop on Understanding Risk Exposure Maps on June 28-29, 2018 in Butuan City and Buenavista, Province of Agusan del Norte. Below are the pre-identified groupings of participants for discussions during the workshop. SOCIAL EMERGENCY AND RESPONSE INFRASTRUCTURE Local DRRM Local DRRM Local DRRM Local PDO Local PDO Local PDO SWDO PNP City/Municipal Engineer Health Officer BFP DepEd Local Council Member City/Municipal LGOO continue reading : MGB RXIII conducts IEC Campaign on Results of Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Project and Training-Workshop on Understanding Risk Exposure Maps

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII took part in the 2018 Sylvatrop Writing Workshop on June 19-22, 2018 at the Orchid Garden Suites in Malate, Manila. The workshop was organized by the DENR-Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB). Sylvatrop is the technical journal of Philippine Ecosystems and Natural Resources.  It is a medium of information exchange on scientific, technological and descriptive articles, research notes and reviews of technical literatures on ecosystems and natural resources topics. The journal is published once a year and has produced more than 480 articles on environment and natural resources since 1976. It is noteworthy that Sylvatrop is an Institute for Scientific Information (ISI)-indexed journal that is being abstracted by Abstract Bibliography of Tropical Forestry (Philippines); Documentation Centre on Tropical Forestry (Philippines); Forestry Abstract (Oxford, UK); Chemical Abstracts (Ohio, USA) and Asia Science Research Reference (India).  On the same note, it is accredited continue reading : MGB RXIII takes part in 2018 Sylvatrop Writing Workshop

Rising to Challenges (RCh) is the theme of the 33rd Philippine Chemistry Congress which was held on May 30-June 1, 2018 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Roxas Boulevard, Manila. The theme is not only a fitting abbreviation for registered chemists (RCh) but it intrinsically expresses the spirit of the present-day chemistry community that uses chemistry as a key to unlock the solutions to many challenges. Two chemists from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII joined over a thousand professionals, participants, researchers and paper presenters from the chemical industry and the academe as well as policymakers and leaders from government partner institutions in the annual gathering of chemists which has been in existence for thirty-three years. Esteemed guest speakers highlighted the topics on chemical security, efficient regulation of chemicals of concern, laboratory accreditation, environmental chemical regulations, water analysis and the chemicals weapons convention. Discussions and paper continue reading : MGB RXIII chemists rise to the challenges of 33rd Philippine Chemistry Congress

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII carried out the Groundwater Resource Mapping and Assessment in the Municipalities of General Luna and San Benito, Siargao Islands, Province of Surigao del Norte on April 18 to May 5, 2018. The said assessment was conducted by a team of geologists, cartographer and on-the-job trainees from Negros Oriental State University. The activity aims to establish the geology of the area and determine the general groundwater resource potential of the different lithologic units. It also aims to assess the vulnerability factors that could affect the water quality of the existing water supply sources in the study area and to identify possible areas for development and future extraction. As for the mapping aspect of the activity, it was composed of an inventory of the existing groundwater resources (e.g. springs and wells) of each barangay within the municipality; identification of the lithologic unit and continue reading : MGB RXIII carries out Groundwater Resource Mapping and Assessment on Siargao Islands

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII conducted the Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (VRA) on April 16 to 30, 2018 in the Municipalities of Marihatag, Cagwait and Bayabas, Province of Surigao del Sur. The said assessment was conducted by a team of geologists and an on-the-job trainee from Negros Oriental State University. The team formed two groups that were assigned in every barangay to perform geotagging in order to tag the essential landmarks such as barangay halls, health centers, schools, multi-purpose buildings, purok centers and other establishments per purok, district or sitio in all barangays of the aforementioned municipalities. The purpose of tagging landmarks or establishments is to get their exact global positioning system (GPS) coordinates and plot them on the map. Moreover, building materials and road networks were noted for data gathering. The threat of any hazard or element of risk to landslide or flooding within those continue reading : MGB RXIII conducts Vulnerability and Risk Assessment in Surigao del Sur

The Lands Geological Survey Division of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Central Office conducted a Training Course on Measurement of Uncertainty and Internal Quality Control in the Analytical Laboratory with the theme “Enhancing Capabilities and Bridging Gaps Towards Effective Laboratory Performance” on April 10-14, 2018 at the Greenhills Elan Hotel in San Juan, Metro Manila. The said activity was participated by representatives from the Lands Geological Survey Division and Metallurgical Technology Division of MGB Central Office as well as Regional Offices with Analytical Laboratory including Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), MGB Calabarzon, Regions V, VII and XIII. Region XII also participated in preparation for their forthcoming laboratory operation. Two laboratory personnel from MGB Regional Office No. XIII Geosciences Division took part in the training course. The activity started with the Opening Remarks delivered by Mr. Antonio N. Apostol, Jr., OIC of LGSD, followed by Ms. Jocelyn C. Villanueva, Chief of Geological continue reading : MGB conducts Training Course on Measurement and Internal Quality Control in the Analytical Laboratory

The Mines and Geoscience Bureau conducted the 2018 Geoscience Workshop on February 1 to 7, 2018 at Patio de San Jose Resort and Convention Center in Malilipot, Albay. The workshop was jointly organized by MGB Central Office and MGB Regional Office No. V.  It was attended by key personnel from the Lands Geological Survey Division of MGB Central Office, technical and support staff from MGB RV as the host region, and six geologists from each of the Regional Offices. Geosciences Division Chief Romeo Dalodado; Supervising Geologists Melvin Mantilla and Elaine Galido; Senior Geologists Liza Pacete and Beda Louie Cagampang; and Geologist II Ralph Angelo Plaza represented MGB Regional Office No. XIII in the workshop. The main focus of the activity are as follows: Reporting of the MGB Central and Regional Offices status of accomplishments on the major programs of MGB for 2017 particularly the Geologic Quadrangle Mapping carried out in continue reading : MGB conducts 2018 Geoscience Workshop