Alternative Classroom Learning Experience (ACLE)
On May 26, 2024, UP GeMS partook in the university-wide conduct of the Alternative Classroom Learning Experience. ACLE invites all university-recognized organizations to hold a class tackling their chosen topic/s. This year, UP GeMS opted to conduct a workshop on sustainable geotourism where invited speakers and judges were Asst. Prof. Maria Carmela Ibañez from the UP Asian Institute of Tourism, Mx. Chen Reyes-Mencias, a leading consultant on tourism planning, and Mr. Joaquin Lacson, an esteemed educator and geologist from the UP National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS).
[1st Photo] Mx. Chen Reyes-Mencias during their talk
[2nd Photo] Group photo of the organizers, participants, judges, and panels of UP GeMS’ ACLE
Geology Summit 2024 (GS ’24)
Championing its advocacy on geology and the environment, UP GeMS held this year’s installment of its annually held flagship project, Geology Summit (GS). The event, which invited high school students from all over the Philippines, was held from May 17 to 18 and was divided into four segments: a poster-making contest, a museum tour, an impromptu speaking contest, and a series of educational talks from professional geologists. With the theme “Transgress,” GS 2024 aimed to address and discuss hydrogeology, groundwater resources, and water-related issues – emphasizing the role of water in geology and processes in our daily lives.
The organizers, speakers, and participants of GS ’24
Poster-making Contest
Titled “Upsurge and Outpour: Reflecting Beneath the Surface,” this segment provided an avenue for registered participants to showcase their artistic vision and skills to advocate for collective responsibility in ensuring clean water and reliable water systems for the next generations.
Two poster-making contest participants accomplishing their artwork
NIGS Museum Tour
All present participants were also able to be immersed in the collection of the NIGS museum. Graduate student volunteers led the tour, accompanied by the organizers, to showcase and give context to the samples and specimens displayed inside the institute’s museum.
Some of the high school students during the NIGS museum tour
Impromptu Speaking Contest
Another segment of GS ’24 is an impromptu speaking contest titled “Deep Dive: Breaking the Tension.” Participants who joined this segment were given three (3) to five (5) minutes to talk about their prompts regarding the water-related issues currently faced by the Philippines.
A high school student presenting their speech during the contest proper
Seminar
A series of talks, titled “Ebb and Flow: Exploring the Waters” delivered by several professional geologists served as the final segment of GS ’24. Held in a hybrid set-up, this seminar included three different topics tackling groundwater systems, coastal hazards, and activities and preventive measures for water-related issues.
Dr. Garry Maurath, a professional hydrogeologist, while delivering his talk during GS ’24
Applicants’ Night (Batch 23B)
Serving as an integral part of the application process to foster the skills in event planning and coordination, the Applicants Batch 23B held an event where they and resident members could bond and interact through a series of activities delegated to be part of their Apps’ Night.
The applicants, together with the members, in a group photo during the Apps’ Night
The organization held its last two general assemblies – GA #5 and GA #6 – on May 6 and June 29 respectively. The executive committee and its members have maintained their commitment to confer and meet by holding GAs throughout the academic year. GA #5 was incorporated with an environmental discussion on climate change and its factors with the help of Mx. Alab Ayroso, the national coordinator of the Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines (YACAP), one of the partner organizations of UP GeMS. Meanwhile, GA #6 served as the final formal meeting of the organization where the executive committee members did a recap on what transpired under their wing during their term.
UP GeMS President, Bryan Olata (right) and Environmental Executive Kryzell Carmona (left) awarding the YACAP National Coordinator Alab Ayroso (middle) during GA #5
Photo of all the attendees of GA #5 including the Executive Committee and resident members
Screengrab of the physical and virtual attendees of GA #6
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