Petrography and paleontology are vital in understanding the Earth’s history. Petrography examines rocks under the microscope to determine their composition and origin, while paleontology studies microfossils to interpret past environments and establish the age of rock formations. These disciplines support the Mines and Geosciences Bureau’s (MGB) programs on geological mapping and mineral exploration.
To significantly boost expertise in these areas, the Geological Laboratory Services Section (GLSS) of the Lands Geological Survey Division (LGSD) of MGB Central Office (CO) spearheaded a series of In-depth Trainings on Petrography and Paleontology for geologists from MGB CO and Regional Offices (ROs) and the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MENRE-BARMM).
Held at the Petrolab Building, MGB CO, Quezon City, the three training batches ran from June 2-30, August 1-29, and September 17-October 15, 2025, with participants from LGSD and Marine Geological Survey Division (MGSD) of MGB CO, MGB ROs IV-CALABARZON, VI, X, XIII, and MENRE-BARMM.
The Petrography Training provided geologists with practical, hands-on experience in identifying and classifying rocks using a polarizing microscope, which helps reveal the microscopic details of minerals. Participants enhanced their knowledge of Optical Mineralogy, Igneous Petrology, Metamorphic Petrology, and Sedimentary Petrology through interactive sessions facilitated by Ms. Madonna Cleofe, Ms. Armani Estanislao, Ms. Harley Lacbawan, and Mr. Jan Cedric Sisracon.
Meanwhile, the Paleontology Training focused on the study of calcareous foraminifera, microscopic marine fossils with calcium carbonate shells that help geologists determine the age of rock layers and interpret past environmental conditions. This study is essential for biostratigraphic and paleoenvironmental analyses, which provide insights into Earth’s geological history. The modules were conducted by Ms. Monaliza Alorro, Mr. Raymond Ancog, Ms. Anace Topacio, and Ms. Riva Potente.
Both trainings included a refresher course on megascopic analysis, given by Ms. Stephanie Leido, and a practical sample preparation demonstration.
These capacity-building efforts strengthen the technical expertise of both MGB and MENRE-BARMM geologists and support the alignment of regional laboratories with national standards. This initiative, which began in 2024, will continue until 2027 to cover all MGB Regional Offices.
By: Geological Laboratory Services Section, Lands Geological Survey Division
June 2025 Batch: Participants from MGB Region VI, namely Mr. Shimpei Francisco and Ms. Joahnna Iloreta, and from MGB Region X, namely Ms. Lea Bondad and Mr. Joriel Agod. The photos show lectures and hands-on activities on petrography, as well as presentations of paleontology outputs.
August 2025 Batch: Participants from MGB Region IV-CALABARZON, namely Mr. Michael Escober and Mr. Jose Teodoro Evangelista; MGB Region XIII, namely Ms. Janeth Aparri and Mr. Jabez Galope; and MGB Central Office, namely Ms. Ranajae Canlas, Ms. Shiella Milla, Ms. Marywil Cabahug, and Ms. Ruth Madrideo. The photos highlight hands-on paleontology training using a stereozoom microscope and discussions during the petrography exercises.
September 2025 Batch: Participants from MENRE-BARMM, namely Mr. Japhet Taula and Ms. Leah Mapula; MGBCO-LGSD, namely Mr. Lawrence Buduhan and Ms. Kinjo Foryasen; and MGBCO-MGSD, namely Mr. Jordan Taguibulos. The photos feature the sample preparation demonstration, megascopic analysis, and the closing remarks delivered by LGSD Chief Karlo Queaño during the closing program.