The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), thru the Geological Laboratory Services Section of the Lands Geological Survey Division (GLSS-LGSD), continues to enhance its capabilities with the conduct of a three-day in-house training on basic paleontological analysis and sample preparation last May 19-21, 2021. The training program consisted of a series of lectures focused on the identification of microfossils such as planktonic and benthic foraminifera and their application to age dating, paleoenvironment interpretation, and stratigraphy as well as several hands-on exercises for the participants. It was attended by geologists from LGSD and Marine Geological Survey Division.

Lectures on the morphology, identification and significance to age dating of the microfossils were given by Monaliza M. Alorro and Chechen M. Tan of the Paleontology Laboratory Unit of GLSS. The techniques on sample preparation for paleontological analysis were also demonstrated by the laboratory personnel of the Sample Preparation Unit of GLSS. Microscopic exercises were conducted on the last day to determine the participants’ skills in the microfossil identification and age dating.

This training on Basic Paleontological Analysis and Sample Preparation is part of a series of capacity building programs throughout the year that the Laboratory will be spearheading to enhance the skills of MGB Geologists in the different geological laboratory services including Paleontology, Petrography and Sedimentology.

By: Lands Geological Survey Division

Photos of participants during the event.