GSP celebrates its 75th anniversary
The Geological Society of the Philippines (GSP) is the only accredited integrated professional organization (AIPO) of geologists in the Philippines by the Professional Regulation Commission.
SOCIETY PURPOSE
TO PROMOTE THE SCIENCE OF GEOLOGY AND ALLIED EARTH SCIENCES
The organization works and supports initiatives to advance the science and profession of geology and related fields, including raising public awareness on Earth’s dynamic systems and natural events that impact the society. This goal is attained through the conduct of trainings, symposia, local and international conferences, seminars and online education activities such as webinars and discussion forums.
TO FOSTER THE SPIRIT OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
The GSP encourages its members to pursue scientific research to generate new knowledge and scientific data that contribute to a better understanding of the geology and tectonics of the Philippines, in particular, and geosciences, in general. The annual Geological Convention (GeoCon) provides a good opportunity for the exchange of ideas among Filipino and foreign geoscientists. Significant contributions and advances in the field have also been documented in the Journal of the Geological Society of the Philippines.
TO DISSEMINATE KNOWLEDGE CONCERNING THE GEOLOGY OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE REGIONS IMMEDIATELY SURROUNDING IT
GSP organizes and supports forums that inform its members of the latest ideas and developments in the study of Philippine tectonics, Asian tectonics and related topics like metallogenesis, seismology and geohazards, among others.
TO PROTECT AND MAINTAIN A HIGH PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL STANDARD IN THE PRACTICE OF GEOLOGY AMONGST ITS MEMBERS
Geology is a noble profession requiring high degree of morality, technical knowledge and personal responsibility to co-professionals, employers and clients, and to the community
MESSAGE FROM THE GSP PRESIDENT
Every year, the convening of the Geological Convention is a signal that the year is drawing to a close. After convening the first-ever virtual GeoCon from December 1-3, we are more than ready to say goodbye to 2020. This year has been very challenging to all of us. It is an unprecedented year which has tested our health, our minds and our spirits. It is a very challenging year not only for the Society, but for the country and for the world.
We started 2020 in anticipation of how we were going to celebrate GSP’s 75th anniversary which was supposed to culminate in the hosting of the GEOSEA, 24 years after it was last hosted by GSP. Instead, we were forced into a “virtual” world for the most part of the year. The restrictions imposed by the pandemic limited our face to face gatherings and interactions. Nevertheless, GSP quickly adjusted and adapted. We were able to organize a series of webinars and virtual seminars to address a span of issues and were still able to share new information to keep our members up-to-date. The pandemic compelled us to abruptly shift gears from convening the face to face GEOSEA to convening the “Virtual Geocon”. Although we were hoping to come together again for our annual gathering, the “virtual” mode has also come with some advantages. Last year, Typhoon Tisoy nearly derailed the convening of GeoCon 2019. This time, we did not have to worry about a typhoon disrupting the GeoCon. We only needed to ensure that we had a stable internet connection. The Virtual GeoCon allowed us to have a wider reach with participants from different parts of the Philippines and even outside the country joining us. Despite this being a “virtual” gathering, the Geocon allowed participants to catch up with their friends, colleagues and other GSP members albeit virtually.
Although it might not be fitting to be in too much of a festive mood amidst the gloom, turmoil and uncertainty around us, it is still important that we rejoice in our milestones and celebrate GSP’s 75 years of serving its members. The GSP would like to take this opportunity to express its deepest gratitude to those who helped the Society accomplish its goals and planned activities despite severe limitations and restrictions. We are grateful to the more than 1,000 participants who attended the first-ever Virtual GeoCon. We thank our presenters, moderators, panel discussants and sponsors for the successful convening of this annual gathering.
Let us continue to be strong, safe and healthy as we navigate the challenges brought about by the pandemic. Let us say goodbye to the challenges and difficulties that we experienced this year. Let us welcome 2021 with hope and optimism, ring in the new year in good health and with our spirits and sanity intact.
Carla B. Dimalanta, D.Sc.
GSP President