Iloilo City – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office VI (MGB VI) conducted training focused on Karst subsidence assessment for Bachelor of Science in Geology student trainees in Buenavista, Guimaras. MGB VI supervising geologist Dr. Leilanie O. Suerte led the team during the training on September 4-5, 2023.
Karst subsidence commonly known as sinkhole is a critical geological phenomenon that poses significant challenges in land-use planning and environmental management, Dr. Suerte said.
We recognize the importance of preparing future geologists with the knowledge and skills needed to address these challenges effectively. We wanted to equip the geology students who are having their on-the-job training with MGB VI to be equipped with the expertise required to assess and mitigate Karst subsidence risks. In this program, we gave them the basic knowledge on operating the ground penetrating radar (GPR), Dr. Suerte said.
The MGB VI training gave the OJTs the chance to have a hands-on experience through the actual assessment of reported sinkholes in barangays Salvacion and new Poblacion, Buenavista, Guimaras. These barangays were part of the karst subsidence assessment conducted by MGB VI in Buenavista, Guimaras back in 2015. Dr. Suerte said part of the objectives of the training was to monitor and get some updates on the areas with reported sinkholes.
The student trainees from the Negros Oriental State University said this hands-on approach allowed them to develop practical problem-solving skills and an in-depth understanding of the complex interactions between geology and land use with the use of technology such as the GPR. (MGB VI)
