To enable the efficient delivery of laboratory services geared toward the implementation of priority geoscience programs, the Geological Laboratory Services Section (GLSS) of the Lands Geological Survey Division (LGSD) continues to explore alternative digital and virtual learning strategies to capacitate its technical personnel from both the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Central Office (CO) and Regional Offices (ROs).
The training workshop on the Fundamentals of Environmental Sampling and Field Survey Management was held last May 4–6 and 10–11, 2022 through a hybrid set-up via the Microsoft Teams Platform and in-person at the LGSD Multi-Purpose Room. It was attended by 128 technical personnel from the LGSD, Mine Safety Environment and Social Development Division (MSESDD) and Metallurgical Technology Division of MGB CO; and Geosciences Division and MSESDD of MGB ROs.
The five-day training provided participants with a solid foundation to efficiently work in the various field-based projects of MGB, as well as the standard methods for sediments, soil, and water sampling in accordance with international standards. Environmental sampling and field survey management are integral components of any research, as they have a significant impact on the quality and reliability of the results and findings.
Some of the notable highlights of the training are lectures from Dr. Dahlia C. Apodaca on the importance of environmental sampling, designing sampling plan, and environmental sampling techniques in collecting samples from various media such as water, soil, sediments, and biota. In addition, the valuable outputs of this workshop are the establishment of the MGB Environmental Monitoring and Sampling Plan for environmental applications in line with the MGB’s thrust as well as the initial standardization of laboratory procedures in line with the issuance of EMB Memorandum Circular No. 2016-12 or the approved methods of analysis for water and wastewater.
By: Lands Geological Survey Division
The organizers, headed by Jocelyn C. Villanueva, GLSS-Chief, together
with the resource speaker, Dr. Dahlia C. Apodaca