Event Details

The Geological Society of the Philippines hosted the first online panel discussion entitled “Geosciences in the new normal” last May 14, 2020. Speakers from the academe (Dr. Mario Aurelio, NIGS), government (Ms. Liza Juanico-Manzano, MGB) and industry (Mr. Joey Ayson, PMEA) were invited to talk about plans, adjustments and innovations made, and opportunities arising from the “new normal.” This event brought together 137 participants from the Philippines and other countries.

The salient points brought up during the panel discussion are as follows:

(1) The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted to the institution of additional safety guidelines/procedures and other safeguards in all sectors. These include (a) instituting alternative work schemes for all employees such as provision for virtual section meeting from home and creation of a skeletal work force), and (b) transitioning to online modes of learning and teaching which may require modifying the course syllabus and course program curriculum. Teaching field and laboratory courses, however, remain a challenge.

(2) With the “new normal”, activities in all geoscience sectors need to be either modified or be fully suspended for safety concerns. These include (a) offering academic courses that require fieldwork or OJT to a later date, (b) offering geology board review classes online, (c) suspending laboratory services in both the academe and the government, (d) limiting or canceling all fieldworks (e.g. research related, government-related programs, mine exploration work) and attendance to local and foreign trainings, and (e) suspending CPD requirements for the renewal of license until 2021.

(3) The cancelation or suspension of some activities has led to: (a) the realignment of budget (e.g. for research to fund government’s COVID-related efforts), and (b) the reduction of outputs or deliverables for ongoing projects.

(4) Given the high metal price, the mining industry is in the best position among the sectors in the geosciences to help the government in its economic recovery efforts. This provides an opportunity for the mining industry to promote itself. It was proposed that a road map be drafted (by mine sector representatives, with the participation of the GSP) as to how mining will be able to help the government in its recovery programs in the new normal.  

(5) Amidst the COVID situation, procedural requirements (e.g. processing of permits, certificates and other documents) are still being done by government agencies. Documents (e.g. mine-related) submitted by different stakeholders are still being received by the government offices (e.g. MGB Central and regional offices) as well. The geology board examination this year will be held as scheduled.  Changes have happened due to the pandemic and we expect more changes to happen. We will adapt to the situation and we will exert all efforts to adapt quickly to the new normal and parameters. The GSP will continue to provide service and compassion as we strive towards resiliency for the profession and its members in a post-COVID world.