The Philippine (Benham) Rise is a seismically active submerged volcanic realm located east of Luzon Island near Cagayan Valley, Aurora and northern Bicol Region. Geological and morphological analyses had established that this region is a natural prolongation of the landmass of Luzon accreted to the main island through the Palanan and Bicol saddles. However, to date limited studies have been conducted in this area.
Having its mandate and despite resistance from some environmentalists due to the sensitivity of the region’s marine environment and ecosystems, the Marine Geological Survey Division (MGSD) of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) took the bold step of launching a geological expedition of the Philippine Rise on April 9, 2018. On board the Philippine Navy’s BRP Gregorio Velasquez (AGR 702), a team composed of geologists and other technical personnel from MGSD and MGB Regional Offices conducted single-beam seismic and bathymetric surveys in the southern part of the region.
Deployment of the pinger for the seismic survey
The survey, a five-year project, is geared to study the geology of this submerged plateau, determine valuable minerals in the waters, in the seabed and in hydrothermal vents of the region. It is also aimed to determine geohazard concerns in the deep that could trigger submarine landslides, avalanche and coastal flooding during storms and tectonic upheavals to the adjoining areas.
This expedition is just one of the scientific researches being facilitated by an interagency effort organized by the Coordinated National Marine Scientific Research Initiatives and Related Activities (CONMIRA).CONMIRA comprises the following: Bureau of Food and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture; Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Biodiversity Management Bureau and National Mapping and Resource and Information Authority of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Philippine Navy and University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute which is being coordinated by the National Coast Watch Center.The MGB survey was completed on April 27, 2018.
MGSD and MGB RO survey team for the Philippine Rise on board the BRP Gregorio Velasquez headed by Engr. Marcelo Alilio and Mr. Crisostomo V. Masangkay; They were with the officers and the men and women of the platform vessel
First Anniversary of the Renaming of the Benham Rise to Philippine Rise
In a related event conducted last May 15-16, 2018 at Casiguran Bay and at the Philippine Rise near the Benham Bank, Director Wilfredo G. Moncano, Assistant Director Danilo U. Uykieng and some MGB personnel joined His Excellency President Rodrigo Roa-Duterte, Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, some other cabinet members, the military, some Non-Government Organizations, Peoples’ Organizations and a delegation of Filipino scientists in the celebration of the 1st anniversary of the Renaming of the Benham Rise to Philippine Rise. This exercise also served as the ceremonial send off of Filipino scientists who will conduct marine scientific researches in the Philippine Rise and also timed with the signing of the Presidential Proclamation affirming some portions of the Philippine Rise as Marine Protected Reserve. In his speech, the President assured the Filipino scientists that the government will support the mission and scientific undertakings around the region be it on mapping, biological investigations, assessment of coral reef and fisheries stock and other scientific studies.
This Benham Bank undertaking was comprised of bouy-casting that will serve as floating marker along the territorial waters of the Philippine Rise; placing of another marker at the shallowest seabed in the Philippine Rise Plateau; passing of honors of several naval ships and fly-by of aircrafts used in the conduct Maritime Air Patrol in the Rise. Integrated as well was the posting of exhibits related to the Philippine Rise by several agencies and academe on board BRP Davao del Sur.
By: Marine Geological Survey Division
The President and some of his Cabinet men observing the MGB exhibit while onboard BRP Davao del Sur during the Philippine/Benham Rise commemoration on May 15, 2018
The President signing the Presidential Proclamation declaring some portions of the Philippine Rise as Marine Protected Reserve; He is surrounded by his cabinet officers including our DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu
Director Wilfredo G. Moncano and Assistant Director Danilo U. Uykieng during the Anniversary Celebration and the Ceremonial Send Off of scientists at the BRP Davao del Sur
The MGB booth during the Ceremonial Send off on board the BRP Davao del Sur
MGB geologists who participated in the anniversary celebration