From mapping mountains to mentoring generations, the Geological Society of the Philippines (GSP) has been the pillars of Philippine geology. To celebrate its 80th Anniversary, GSP’s Oak Jubilee and Geological Convention (GEOCON) 2025 was held at the Solaire Resort North, Quezon on December 2-3, 2025.
The event honored the leaders in geoscience, latest research and discoveries in geology, natural hazards, and technology-driven solutions. Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) was the keynote speaker.
Pioneers in Philippine Geoscience
Looking back in history, GSP was organized on September 2, 1945--also known as Victory Over Japan Day. Rising from the ruins of the newly liberated City of Manila, a group of geologists (mostly Americans) attached to the office of the Chief Engineer, GHQ AFPSC, met with a group of Filipino geologists and mining engineers under the chairmanship of Lt. Col. H. G. Scherick.
Major Robert N. Williams and Dr. Jose M. Feliciano led to the establishment of the Society. The group was composed of 62 original or charter members--39 Americans, one Australian, and the rest are Filipinos.
The first GEOCON was held in Manila on January 9-11, 1958, which was GSP’s 14th anniversary. The convention featured 15 papers. It created lively discussions on current geological problems. Due to the wide support from different mining companies, the first GEOCON was a success and inspired more GEOCONs in the years ahead.
For decades, GEOCON has served as a platform for advancing geoscience in the Philippines, facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange among professionals from industry, academe, and government, and supporting professional development through technical sessions and workshops. The annual convention also highlighted Filipino geoscience contributions to local and global issues such as natural hazards, resource management, environmental protection, and sustainable development, while fostering camaraderie within the geoscience community.
The Rock Stars and the New Generation
The theme of GEOCON 2025 is “Forged by time, strengthened by integrity, driven by professionalism”.
Jaime Bacud, GSP Co-Chairperson said, “We had a bigger venue. We had more than 800 attendees which is so much bigger than what has been participated in the past, and also we provided a different concept to the presentations. We had a full day of plenary sessions.”
“The event is a big celebration of geoscience, of people, and of ideas. We are able to cross generations from the Gen Zs to the Gen Seniors. And then we were able to provide a homecoming or reunion for most of the people that has been here in the past and those new coming in into the geology professions.”
Dr. Kevin L. Garas, former GSP President mentioned, “So far this GEOCON 2025, we really want to highlight the relevance of our profession to the society and with that we want to revive the fire within GSP members to serve this country and to serve GSP.”
“We can summarize the value or the impact of this GEOCON in five words. It’s grand. It’s relevant. It’s meaningful and it’s about legacy and being grateful--grateful for older generations.
Edgar Benedict Cutiongco, GSP Co-Chairperson stated, “What we bring into the celebration, a set of what we call ‘rock stars’ of the geological profession. These are the senior guys--we stand on their shoulders, and they share their technical geniuses and the things they have brought into the profession so that it will not be forgotten.”
New GSP Board of Trustees
The Geological Society of the Philippines (GSP) recently inducted its new Board of Trustees and Officers for 2026, led by President Engr. Janice Wayan and Vice President Ms. Mary Rose Gabuyo. Other officers are: Michael Angelo C. Tan, Secretary; Atty. Rene Boy C. Velasco, Asst. Secretary; Leopoldo T. Virtucio, Treasurer; and Trustees Beverly Mae M. Brebante, Darwin Riguer, and David Gotera.
“The Geological Society of the Philippines (GSP) aims to solidify its role as a trusted advisor to the government and the public, ensuring the profession remains resilient and responsive.”
“We commit to our strategy of geographic inclusivity while positioning the Filipino Geologist as a regional leader through international partnerships.” (from GSP social media post)
2025 Geologists CBLE Topnotchers
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC / Commission) is proud to announce their warmest congratulations to the successful takers and the TOP TEN examinees, who garnered the highest rankings, of the recently concluded November 2025 Geologists Computer-Based Licensure Examination (CBLE). The TOPNOTCHERS emerged from the one hundred and ninety-one (191) successful passers out of the two hundred and ninety-six (296) examinees in National Capital Region (NCR).
The members of the Board of Geology who gave the licensure examination are Hon. Fernando S. Peñarroyo (Chairman), Hon. Benjamin S. Austria and Hon. Elmer B. Billedo (Members).
The results were released immediately after the last day of examination.
1) Kryzell Marquez Carmona (86.10%) – UP-Diliman
2) Lorenzo Angelo Dizon Valeriano (86%) - UP-Diliman
3) Chester Llyod Raguingan Lomboy (85.90%), Marcus Gabriel Hernandez Mendoza (85.90%) - UP-Diliman
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GEOCON 2025 was an event that made 2025 memorable for the members of geoscience community. It was a grand gathering where legacy meets innovation and the stories of pioneers inspire the next wave of geologists. See you on the next GSP event--GEOCON 2026!
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Reference:
Board of Trustees - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1RDu6RbL6q/
Photo credit: Geological Society of the Philippines and Department of Science and Technology
