NORTHERN SAMAR, PHILIPPINES – The National Committee on Geological Sciences (NCGS), led by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, conducted a geological assessment of potential geosites in support of the Provincial Government of Northern Samar’s (PGINS) efforts to pursue its bid as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Global (UNESCO) Geopark (UGGp).
The recent fieldwork, held from September 25-30, 2025, builds on the initial survey conducted last March 23-26, 2025, which covered the municipalities of Allen, Lavezares, Palapag, and Mapanas. The latest assessment focused on the western portion of the province.
The NCGS team was joined by representatives from the MGB Regional Office VIII (MGB RO-VIII), the University of the Philippines – National Institute of Geological Sciences (UPNIGS), and the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP). The NCGS has inventoried several geosites:
- Biri Rocks in Biri
- Rakit Dakit 2.0 in Palapag
- Pinusilan Blue Lagoon and Naputad Rock in Mapanas
- Mampugay Falls in Palapag
- Miol-biol Rocks in Lavezares
- Busay Falls in San Isidro
- Imaga Rocks in Allen
- Lulugayan Falls in Bobon
- Hilulugayan Falls in Silvino Lobos
- Pinipisakan Falls in Las Navas
- Baitan Cave and Rocks in Laoang
- Macaningning Islets in Laoang
- Bantayan Tidal Channel and Beach in San Roque
- Malobaroc Beach and Mombon Sandbar in Mondragon
Last June 4, 2025, the NCGS declared Biri Rocks to be the 7th National Geological Monument of the country. Previously declared NGMs from the 1980s to 2000s include: Montalban Gorge, Taal Volcano, Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Ilocos Norte Sand Dunes, Hundred Islands of Pangasinan, and the St. Paul Limestone Formation in Puerto Prinsesa, Palawan.
Established on October 8, 1980, under the Office of the President, the NCGS serves as an advisory and coordinating body for government agencies engaged in geological research, conservation, and education.
Photo 1: Assessed potential geosites within the aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark of Northern Samar
Photo 2: NCGS team, composed of MGB-CO and UP-NIGS, accompanied by PGINS and Biri-LaRoSa Protected Landscape and Seascape during the March 2025 geological assessment.
Photo 3: September 2025 assessment by the NCGS and UP Diliman School of Archaeology (SA) team