The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) held its 2018 Annual Technical Forum at Paraiso Verde, Koronadal City, South Cotabato on November 6-9, 2018.

The theme for this year’s forum is “Mining and Geological Studies are Integral Elements of Socio-Economic Development, Environmental Enhancement and Protection, Human Safety and Disaster Preparedness.” Mayor Peter B. Miguel of Koronadal City officially welcomed the participants to the four-day event.

Eight policy papers, 24 technical papers, and eight posters were showcased in the forum. Two non-competing papers were also presented.

Judges for the forum include former Undersecretary for Mines and Environment Engr. Jeremias L. Dolino; former MGB Director and Undersecretary Mario Luis L. Jacinto; and metallurgical engineering professor of Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology, Engr. Ma. Teresa T. Ignacio.

Winners for this year’s forum are the following:

Best Policy Paper

• First Place: “Institutionalization of the Convergence Area Development Plan: An Engagement Tool for Poverty Alleviation of the Laborer Indigenous Cultural Community in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte” by Emma Rodelie Deverala of MGB Regional Office (RO) No. IX
• Second Place: “Special Tracking Automatic Receiving and Releasing System (STARR)” by Allen C. Cameros of MGB RO No. XI
• Third Place: “Cagayan Valley Region presented on Mineral Tax Shares of LGU Beneficiaries: Bane or Boom” by Stephanie Ivy T. Jadormio of MGB RO No. III

Best Technical Paper

• First Place: “Preliminary Hydrogeological Assessment of Asik-Asik Waterfalls in Barangay Upper Dado, Alamada, Province of Cotabato” by Vincent Gascal of MGB RO No XII
• Second Place: “Technical Feasibility of Ironmaking Philippine Magnetite Sand Board on Laboratory and Bench Dust Scale Test” by Bernardo V. Bitanga of MGB Central Office
• Third Place: “Rapid Assessment of Groundwater Nitrate Determination: A Case Study in Polomolok, South Cotabato” by Princess Danielle B. Matas of MGB Ro No XII

• Best Presenter: Emma Rodelie Deverala of MGB No. IX
• Best Poster: “GSJ International Training Course on Practical Geology Survey Techniques 2018 – Application to Geological Disaster Mitigation” by Julius Vincent Umali of MGB Central Office

As a result of the draw lots, MGB Cordillera Administrative Region will host next year’s forum together with MGB Central Office’s Mining Technology Division.

By: Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division

Participants and guests at the 2018 Annual Technical Forum

Left to right: RD Constancio Paye, Jr., Engr. Ma. Teresa Ignacio, former Usec. Jeremias Dolino and Usec. Mario Luis Jacinto, and Engr. Rodolfo L. Velasco Jr. awarding the Best Policy Paper to Ms. Emma Rodelie Deverala

Left to right: RD Constancio Paye, Jr., Engr. Ma. Teresa Ignacio, former Usec. Jeremias Dolino and Usec. Mario Luis Jacinto, and Engr. Rodolfo L. Velasco Jr. awarding the Best Technical Paper to Mr. Vincent Gascal

Left to right: RD Constancio Paye, Jr., Engr. Ma. Teresa Ignacio, former Usec. Jeremias Dolino and Usec. Mario Luis Jacinto, and Engr. Rodolfo L. Velasco Jr. awarding the Best Poster Mr. Julius Vincent Umali