National Geology Congress (NGC)
The University of the Philippines Geological Society (UP GeoSoc) successfully hosted the 2024 National Geology Congress (NGC) last April 5 and 6 at UP Diliman, Quezon City. This year's congress marked the full return to in-person events after three years of online setup. Three major subevents were featured: the Earth Science Teachers’ Seminar, the High School Students’ Workshop, and the GeoQuiz, with more than 200 participating high school teachers and students from across the country.
UP GeoSoc members before and after the conduct of 2024 NGC
ARETE: Earth Science Teachers’ Seminar - April 5
The Earth Science Teachers’ Seminar (ESTS) aimed to enhance the earth science knowledge of high school teachers, empowering them to become more effective science communicators and educators. Held at the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (IESM) Auditorium, the seminar featured four distinguished lectures from esteemed speakers:
Mr. Eligio “Jun” Obille Jr. (Science Education Specialist, UP – National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development): Understanding Meteorologic and Geologic Phenomena through Science Teaching
Dr. Laura David (Professor and Director, UP – Marine Science Institute): Enhancing Climate Change Literacy in the Classroom
Ms. Charmaine Villamil (Senior Science Research Specialist, PHIVOLCS): Risk Mitigation and Science Communication within the Community
Ms. Dominique Amorsolo (Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy): Culture of Map Reading
Participating teachers during the ESTS
TALAGHAY: High School Students’ Workshop - April 5
The High School Students’ Workshop (HSW) aimed to cultivate students' appreciation for the earth sciences and stimulate their interest in pursuing a career in this field. This subevent was held at the National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS). The morning session featured several lectures from valued lecturers:
Ms. Angela Masongsong (DRRM Department Head, The Initiative PH): Career Paths in the Field of Geosciences
Ms. Audrei Anne Ybanez (Supervising Science Research Specialist, UP Resilience Institute): The Role of Earth Scientists in Disaster Preparedness
Ms. Pamela Lira (Climate Justice Committee Member, Habi Youth Network): The Role of Earth Scientists in Climate Change Mitigation
Participating high school students along with the organizers during the AM lecture session
In the afternoon, hands-on workshops were conducted:
Mr. Macky Barrientos (Instructor, UP-NIGS): Basic Field Techniques
Ms. Elisha Maglalang (Instructor, UP-NIGS): Basic Mineral and Rock Identification
Participating high school students during the PM workshop session
Museum Tour - April 5
To conclude the ESTS and HSW, participants toured the UP National Institute of Geological Sciences Museum. They gained firsthand insights into a variety of rock, mineral, and fossil samples from across the country and around the globe.
Participants during the UP NIGS museum tour
GeoQuiz: An Earth Science Competition - April 6
The most anticipated event of the NGC was the GeoQuiz, an earth science competition for high school students from public, private, and science high schools. The GeoQuiz aimed to test students’ earth science knowledge and enhance their analytical thinking skills under time pressure. After a three-year hiatus, twenty-five teams from sixteen schools across the country competed inside the College of Science (CS) Admin Auditorium.
Participants during the Elimination Round (exam type) and Final Round (quiz bee type)
The Philippine Science High School – SOCCSKSARGEN Region Campus emerged as the new GeoQuiz champions, winning the coveted prize of PHP 10,000. Close behind was Team B from Ateneo de Manila Senior and Junior High School, securing second place with a prize of PHP 5,000. Parañaque Science High School claimed the third place, earning PHP 3,000. The winners also received plaques and medals, while all participating teams were given certificates and giveaways from sponsors.
Top 3 winning teams along with their coaches and contest judges
UP GeoSoc extends its deepest gratitude to the event sponsors and partners, as well as the officials and personnel of UP IESM, UP NIGS, and CS Admin Auditorium for their support in making the event possible. The organization hopes for continued support in future NGC installments to further bridge the gap between the geosciences and the community.
2024 Executive Council Elections
Lastly, the organization successfully conducted the election of the new Executive Council members for AY 2024 – 2025. The Miting de Avance took place on June 8, followed by the voting period from June 10 to 12. All lone candidates for all positions were elected. The winners were officially announced on June 13.
To celebrate the appointment of the new leaders, a turnover party will be held from July 5 to 6.
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