Geologists of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Central Office and Regional Offices honed their skills in paleontological analysis through a five-day training-workshop entitled, “Virtual Training on Paleontological Analysis: Identification of Foraminifera and Applications on Stratigraphy", held virtually last August 16–20, 2021. The training-workshop, which was spearheaded by the Geological Laboratory Services Section of the Lands Geological Survey Division (GLSS-LGSD), featured four (4) days of lecture on identification of foraminifera, age dating and biostratigraphy, virtual microscopy, and exercises.

Lectures on morphology and identification of small benthic, large benthic and planktonic foraminifera, age dating, and biostratigraphy were given by Dr. Leopoldo De Silva, Jr. of the National Institute of Geological Sciences of the University of the Philippines, Dr. Maybellyn A. Zepeda, Supervising Geologist and OIC-Chief of LGSD, also delivered a lecture on Cretaceous-Paleogene foraminifera. After each lecture, a virtual microscopy session followed which aimed to show the participants how the foraminifera in the washed and blocked rock samples may have different preservations. Participants were also provided with exercises wherein they had to identify foraminiferal species and assign ages to rock samples based on their fossil assemblage.

The virtual workshop is a continuation of the training facilitated by MGB in 2019 as part of the capacity building for MGB Regional Offices in conducting geological laboratory services.

By Lands Geological Survey Division

Geologists and their activity during the event.