Already marking two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lands Geological Survey Division (LGSD) of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) remains steadfast in pursuing its geoscience program initiatives; spearheading the 2022 Geoscience Workshop held virtually last February 7 to 11, 2022, through Microsoft Teams. This year’s Geoscience Workshop theme was “Moving Towards Efficient and Strategic Implementation of MGB Geoscience Programs.”
The 2022 Geoscience Workshop focused on the quality, efficiency, and timeliness of the implementation of the various geoscience programs. Specifically, the workshop objectives are to harmonize and standardize methods, protocols, output, and outcomes of the various MGB Geoscience Programs; to be able to establish monitoring and technical review mechanism to enhance the quality of outputs, and; to be able to achieve 100% physical and financial accomplishment of targets on time.
Ms. Liza Socorro J. Manzano, Chief Geologist, LGSD kicked off the workshop by highlighting the importance of reflecting back at the geoscience programs’ deliverables to assess how far we have progressed as the lead geoscience agency. She also introduced the revamped program format, which deviated from previous years’ parallel sessions to ensure that all Regional offices are well represented in the discussion of each program.
“The relevance of the work that we do hopefully inspire us to do better because the public deserves a society with a sustainably managed environment and natural resources,” LGSD Chief Manzano said in conclusion to her opening remarks.
Atty. Wilfredo G. Moncano, MGB Director, was also at the opening ceremony and gave an inspirational message. He urged everyone to set specific goals to ensure that high-quality project outputs are strategically delivered, in line with the MGB’s thrust to sustainably manage the country’s mineral resources while also enhancing the continued building of adaptive capacities of human communities through the current Geological Risk Reduction and Resiliency Program.
The 2021 accomplishment of the MGB’s Geoscience Programs was reported by LGSD Chief Manzano. The Chief of the Planning Policy and International Affairs Division, Mr. Teodorico Sandoval, then gave a walkthrough of the basic components of efficient project implementation in his presentation. Following that, the Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of the Financial Management Division, Ms. Gloria D. Mendoza, also expounded on the financial performance of various Geoscience Programs from 2019 to 2021.
The five-day workshop was divided into three main sessions, which are 1) Mineral Resources and Geosciences Development Program, 2) Geological Risk Reduction and Resiliency Program, and 3) Support to Operations. Breakout sessions for these programs were set up to guarantee that the insights from the ROs are sought given the time constraints.
The last day of the workshop was intended for the synthesis of the workshop wherein the LGSD Section Chiefs reported the final workshop outputs and agreements. This was followed by a brief presentation of the future plans and ways forward for the geoscience programs. In the coming years, the LGSD will continuously endeavor to strengthen its past, ongoing, and future initiatives geared towards the ultimate goal of expanding personnel capabilities, adopting innovative practices, cultivating key partnerships, and empowering Filipino communities.
Finally, Engr. Juancho Pablo S. Calvez, Chief of the Metallurgical Technology Division (MeTD) and OIC Assistant Director in concurrent capacity, is hopeful about the emerging potential of the young geoscientists who will steer the MGB geoscience programs in the right direction.
2022 Geoscience Workshop participants from the MGB-CO and ROs held last February 7 to 11
By: The Lands Geological Survey Division