"Long
live GeoSoc!"
Thus exclaimed by the members of the UP Geological Society as the organization
reached its 45th milestone. The society spearheaded the GeoSoc Week 2002
on July 22-26. This year's annual event revolved around the theme "Petroleum
in the Philippines".
A weeklong exhibit was set up on NIGS first floor lobby featuring the
Malampaya Sound Project of Shell Philippines and the Philippine National
Oil Company (PNOC). The opening of the exhibit was held on July 22. Students
from different high schools in Quezon City were invited to view the exhibits.
As a part of the GeoSoc Week, a 'Jologs Quiz Show' was held on the last
day. This was participated in by Geology students in NIGS.
Consequently, the 45th Alumni Homecoming of the UP GeoSoc was celebrated
after the quiz show on the second floor lobby. The alumni of the organization
arrived to rekindle their college memories. The officers of the UP GeoSoc,
the renewed resident members, as well as the applicants were presented
to them.
On the other hand, an extension of the affair was held on August 31 as
the organization sponsored a GEOQUIZ 2002. This is an inter-high school
Earth Science Quiz Show geared towards the dissemination of the science
of geology to high school students.
Consisting of a preliminary and a final round, the affair started at 8
am and lasted until 5 pm. This event was sponsored by Hon. Sonny Belmonte,
Hon. Herbert Bautista and Councilor Aiko Melendez-Yllana.
Speakers from different organizations were invited to explain and share their insights about the said topic. The invited speakers were as follows: Dr. Carlo A. Arcilla, Associate Professor of the National Institute of Geological Sciences. He presented the main concepts and technicalities of landfill constructions. Another speaker, Dr. Clemente Bautista, Advocacy Officer of Kalikasan: People's Network for the Environment and Coordinator of UP Against Toxics. He presented the garbage situation in Metro Manila. Ms. Delia Badion and Mr. Nemisio Iligan, both residents of Payatas Dumpsite and members of the National Alliance of Urban Poor have raised the issue on the impacts of the landfill in Payatas area. They shared their experiences from July 10, 2000 Payatas tragedy.
This was the first time that the UP GeoSoc took part in a thematic symposia regarding the alternative classroom learning experience. This year's theme AKLAS: Alternatibong Klase captured the essence of the purpose of the University Student Council. This activity was participated in by students from different colleges.