The National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS) of the University of the Philippines Diliman will hold the 21st NIGS Research Symposium, with a theme “Powering the Future: The Role of Geology in Philippine Energy Sustainability”, on 28-30 October 2026. The symposium will bring together researchers, industry professionals, and members of the geoscience community to discuss how geological research and Earth’s resources can contribute to a more sustainable future.
The symposium will feature research findings and emerging developments in petrography and geochemistry, mineral and energy resources, tectonics and stratigraphy, surface processes and hazards, and interdisciplinary geosciences. Keynote speakers are Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Alessandro O. Sales, who also serves in leadership and board roles representing the DOE in government corporations and agencies, and NIGS Professorial Lecturer Dr. Carlo A. Arcilla, former director of both the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute and NIGS, whose work has encompassed nuclear medicine, mining, and environmental applications.
Photo courtesy: NIGSCon 2026 Organizing Committtee
Invited speakers will present research and perspectives on energy resources, exploration, and sustainability. Mr. Ronald O. Vicedo will discuss "Energy Security through Geothermal Energy Development and Capacity Expansion", while Dr. Chelo S. Pascua will examine natural hydrogen systems in Philippine ophiolites, focusing on the Zambales Ophiolite-Western Central Luzon Basin margin. Dr. Loraine Pastoriza-Primaleo will present "Redefining Geothermal Geosciences Amidst the Energy Transition,” and Dr. Francisco G. Delfin, Jr. will discuss "Renewable Energy and Sustainability in the Philippines: Drivers, Challenges, and Directions".
The programme will also feature Ms. Genie Belle M. Bulaong and Mr. Joshua Kian G. Balaguer, who will present their work on rare earth element fingerprinting of Camarines Norte uranium ores using triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for nuclear forensic source attribution. Dr. Jhud Mikhail O. Aberilla will discuss "Bridging Geology and Systems Engineering: Life Cycle Sustainability and Systems Analysis of Decarbonization and Energy Transitions".
Photo courtesy: NIGSCon 2026 Organizing Committtee
On October 30, 2026, NIGSCon will introduce the NIGSCon Job Fair, co-presented with the UP Geology Alumni Association (UPGAA). Open to everyone, particularly students and graduates in geology and mining, the event will feature morning career talks by leaders from the energy and geoscience sectors, followed by afternoon booth sessions connecting participants with prospective employers.
Photo courtesy: NIGSCon 2026 Organizing Committtee
NIGS acknowledges the support of the following sponsors in bringing together the geoscience community for NIGSCon 2026:
- Platinum sponsors: Prime Energy Resources Development B.V. and OceanaGold (Philippines), Inc.
- Gold sponsors: PetroEnergy Resources Corporation, Philippine Geothermal Production Company, Inc. (PGPC), Apex Mining Co., Inc., De Leon Import and Export Corporation, Austhai Geophysical Consultants Limited, and Sea and Land Technologies Philippines Inc.
- Silver sponsors: Philinstruments Corp., Cordillera Exploration Co., Inc., Philsaga Mining Corporation, FCF Minerals Corporation, and Carmen Copper Corporation
- Bronze sponsors: GeoInnovative Specialists Inc., Omnibus Bio-Medical Systems, Inc., JATEC Philippines Corporation, Filminera Resources Corporation, Geoscience Foundation, Inc., and Shimadzu Philippines Corporation
- Other sponsors: The Rocktype PH and PNOC Exploration Corporation.
Photo courtesy: NIGSCon 2026 Organizing Committtee
Through initiatives such as the research symposium and inaugural job fair, NIGS provide a venue for exchanging geoscientific knowledge, discussing energy-related challenges, and connecting students and professionals with career opportunities across the Philippine geoscience and energy sectors.