Development Program for Geology

Rene Juna R. Claveria

Chair, Technical Committee for Geology
Commission on Higher Education

Abstract

Geology as a discipline is very important not only in understanding how the dynamic earth works but also in knowing how to cope up with the hazards accompanying the inevitable changes. The science of geology looks into the various complexities such as magma generation and volcanism, landforms and mountain building, earth resources and utilization and geo-hazards. The demand for geologists is increasing. There is a need for engineering geologists (or geo-technical engineers) for environmental and civil works, exploration geologists and hydrogeologists for the utilization of mineral, energy and water resources and hazard geologists for various impact assessments related to land use developments and disaster preparedness.

Geology may not be that popular among students. The major reason as to why students are not familiar about geology is that it is not introduced early as a significant subject in almost all schools specifically in grade and high school levels. As the country moves towards progress, development and nation building, geology and geologists play very important roles. The boom in the mining industry as well as the predictable readiness of the people during disasters and environmental issues such as pollution and others demand the contribution of geology and geologists. A pool of geologists, experts in various fields that could be tapped anytime, would be an objective or goal the program of geology looks forward to in the near future.