The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary and concurrent Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Director Mario Luis J. Jacinto delivered an inspirational message to the geologists of MGB at the start of the 2016 Geoscience Workshop.

In his warmly applauded message, Usec Jacinto encouraged the geologists to provide geological information to local governments and communities to serve as MGB's assistance in the development of their areas of jurisdiction. He added that this should be done, not just because it is part of MGB's work, but more so, because it will benefit the people.

As a geologist himself, USec Jacinto reminded the MGB geologists of the significant role that geologists play in the lives of Filipinos. He cited instances where geological information can be very crucial in making decisions as to whether development projects will be approved by LGUs, or not. He cited the case in Davao City where an energy generation project was not approved because the project location coincided with the recharge area of an aquifer. This underscores the need to provide the public with reliable geological data, and thus urged the geologists to do their work professionally.

The six-day Geoscience Workshop is an annual forum of all MGB geologists nationwide which is organized by the Lands Geological Survey Division (LGSD) to review the implementation and outputs of the MGB geoscience programs and projects; develop strategies for their implementation; and agree on action plans on issues and current concerns.

This year, the workshop was held at Icon Hotel, Timog Avenue, Quezon City on August 24 - 29, 2016 and was participated by a total of 90 geologists from the Central Office and Regional Offices (ROs) of the MGB. The workshop focused on the programs currently implemented by the MGB, namely, the Geohazard Assessment Program consisting of the Vulnerability and Risk Assessment, Updating of Geohazard Maps, Subsidence Susceptibility Assessment, and Information, Education and Communication Campaigns on Understanding Geohazard Maps; Geological Assessment Program consisting of Quadrangle Geologic Mapping and Groundwater Resource Assessment; and the Mineral Reservation Program.

By: Lands Geological Survey Division

Undersecretary and Concurrent MGB Director Jacinto delivering his message to the 2016 Geoscience Workshop participants.

Undersecretary and Concurrent MGB Director Jacinto posing with the workshop participants from the Lands Geological Survey Division.