During the past 10 years, exploration for oil and gas in the Philippines has utilized several
geophysical methods. Of the latter, increasing use has been made of seismic reflection surveys, while other geophysical methods - and geological field work itself - have dropped to
a low for the period under consideration.

Since 1960, seismic surveys in the Philippines have gone increasingly marine. Starting with shallow penetration, single-geophone methods, current activity makes use of conventional, multi-geophone systems.

The various geophysical methods used to date are discussed briefly, and the reasons for their limitations are examined. Present activity in the Philippine oil exploration indicates that seismic surveys offer the most promise of real usefulness, and plans for the future lean heavily upon conventional marine seismic programs.

A brief summary of the amount of marine seismic work performed up to the present is included.