Feature Story
By: Faye Anne de Leon
BRP Gregorio Velasquez, the only survey and hydrographic research vessel of the Philippine Navy, was deployed on April 7, 2018 to survey the southeastern portion of the Philippine Rise Bank(Benham Bank). Our team was led by Engr. Marcelo M. Alillo and Mr. Crisostomo V. Masangkay, Team Leader and Co-leader, respectively.
Large waves welcomed us as the vessel sailed on the Pacific Ocean but, for the navies and other marine personnel, these were just like waves of a newly ironed cloth.
Being part of this expedition is truly great and rare opportunity for me. As a 10-month contractual geologist at the Marine Geological Survey Division, this project provided me with a great experience in offshore geologic exploration, exposing me to different geophysical techniques like seismic and bathymetric survey.
As we sailed towards the top of the Benham Bank, I was overwhelmed with excitement as I observed on the screen of seismic lines showing the depth which started to abruptly become shallower from thousands of meters to approximately 60 meters.
As a whole, it was a superb experience and I am very thankful to be surrounded by an awesome crew. My involvement in this project not only provided me with additional skills and knowledge in geology but also gave us time to bond with my colleagues, friends and Philippine Navy crew. All the dizziness, long travel boredom and fatigue we suffered were all worth it!
Moreover, I am looking forward to joining again this Philippine Rise exploration because I believe that this project is an excellent “playground” and will serve as a strong foundation for my chosen career as a geologist. This five-year project of geologic exploration of Philippine Rise is not only constrained in geophysical techniques but also on geologic sampling and core logging which is basic but an essential skill.
Looking cool and natural after days of “nerve wrecking and rock the boat” experiences due to rough seas, the writer Ms. Faye Anne de Leon posed beside a liferaft while conducting geophysical surveys on board the BRP Velasquez