College students interested in the study of the earth, and how rivers, volcanic eruptions, and natural disasters affect our landforms can now enroll in the BS Geology program at Silliman University.
According to New Jersey-based petrology geologist Moses L. Alcala, the demand for teaching the course sprouted when people realized that the Philippine archipelago, particularly Visayas, is vulnerable to various geological hazards such as volcano eruptions and earthquakes; even as its natural landforms continue to attract tourists.
He lamented that for the past several decades, geological consultations relating geological hazards in the Province heavily relied on Manila-based experts.
“It was only fitting that Silliman took that challenge starting in 2018 when the Physics department, then led by Prof. Francisco “Cookie” Ablong, initiated the BS Geology curriculum,” Alcala recalled. Since then, he started doing a hybrid remote-F2F instruction. He also teaches at Silliman pro bono.
The Geology program at Silliman introduces students to the various facets of earth-human-environment interactions, and prepares them for application for future use.
“Negros Island and the surrounding islands also offer so many geological sites worthy of research and exploration for economic resources,” Alcala noted.
The Geology program at Silliman boasts of other expertise in the field like mineralogy, volcanology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, environmental geology, hydrogeology, engineering geology, mineral exploration.
“Local geologists would be available not only for disaster risk management, but also for environmental consulting for local companies and institutions that require geo-technical guidance in construction, environmental pollution investigation and cleanup, coastal erosion management, and compliance with DENR laws and regulations,” Alcala said.
With the Province producing Geology graduates and professional geologists, the local government units in the Region can hire geological consultants for their Disaster Risk-Reduction & -Management) programs, mandated by the national government, Alcala added. (Aiah Jane Cagadas/SU Masscom intern)
