Group photo of the STroBE Project members with the members of Barangay Namuac and the MDRRM Officers of Sanchez Mira after the IEC Campaign.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-funded project, “From Source Terranes to Basin Evolution (STroBE): Geologic Evolution and Paleoclimate Studies in the Northern Cagayan Valley Sub-Basin” conducted geological fieldwork in Cagayan and Kalinga from 08-14 October 2026. Led by Dr. Jillian Aira S. Gabo-Ratio and Dr. Betchaida D. Payot, the research team included project research assistants and MS Geology students Larissa Gabrielle O. Babon, Alliah Linel D. Santos, and Michael Anjoe D. Hambre These activities were undertaken in collaboration with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), represented by Dr. Kevin L. Garas of the MGB Central Office and Krissen Marie C. Agustin and Gypsophila Craig L. Selvano of MGB Regional Office II. The field activities aimed to investigate the sediment provenance, depositional history, and geological evolution of the northern Cagayan Valley sub-basin. These collaborative efforts strengthened institutional partnerships and facilitated the exchange of geological knowledge among researchers and local stakeholders.
Research Assistant Larissa Gabrielle Babon presenting the outputs on the study conducted for the geotourism potential of Cagua Volcano to the Gonzaga LGU.
Focused group discussions with the Gonzaga LGU on assessing Cagua Volcano for geotourism.
Beyond its research activities, Project STroBE also promoted public awareness of the region’s geological heritage through Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns highlighting local geosites and their potential for sustainable geotourism. On 08 October 2026, the team conducted an IEC activity at the Mayor's Office of Gonzaga Municipal Hall, focusing on the geological significance and geotourism potential of Mt. Cagua. This was followed on 09 October 2026 by an IEC campaign at the Session Hall of Sanchez Mira Municipal Hall, featuring the Namuac Sand Dunes. The IEC campaigns were spearheaded by Dr. Garas, promoting public awareness of local geological heritage and sustainable geotourism. The event was made possible through partnerships with Municipal Tourism of Sanchez Mira and the Mayor’s Office of Gonzaga.
Dr. Kevin Garas presenting their outputs for the Sanchez Mira coastal sand dunes migration pattern.
Focused group discussions being held in the Municipal Hall of Sanchez Mira to the members of Barangay Namuac.
The STroBE project is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) under the Manila Economic and Cultural Office–Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (MECO–TECO) initiative. Through its combined research and public outreach efforts, the project contributes to expanding geological knowledge while fostering greater appreciation of the region’s geological heritage and geotourism potential.
Inspection of the Lubuagan Formation at its type locality in Tinglayan, Kalinga.
STroBe Project members (left to right: Dr. Jillian Aira Gabo-Ratio, Alliah Linel Santos, Dr. Kevin Garas, Dr. Betchaida Payot, Gypsophila Craig Selvano, Michael Anjoe Hambre) inspecting the Lubuagan Formation in the Municipality of Sta. Ana
Dr. Gabo-Ratio collecting samples from the outcrop to be used for further analyses involving nannofossils.