The National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS) celebrates the successful thesis defenses of four Master of Science in Geology students during the second quarter of 2025. Held throughout April and May, these defenses marked a significant academic milestone for the students as they presented original research tackling various geological challenges across the Philippines.
The defenses were held at the NIGS Seminar Room, with one conducted in hybrid mode via Zoom. Each student faced a distinguished panel of faculty members and external experts, who evaluated the rigor and relevance of their work.
Below are the highlights from the second-quarter thesis defenses:
Erwin L. Bautista
Defense Date: April 10, 2025
Thesis Title: Mineral Prospectivity Mapping Using Weights of Evidence Method in Masbate Island, Philippines
Mr. Bautista's research applied a statistical modeling technique to identify potential areas for mineral exploration in Masbate, a known gold mining province.
Panel:
- Adviser: Jillian Aira S. Gabo-Ratio, D.Eng
- Reader: Noelynna T. Ramos, D.Sc
- Examiners: Leo T. Armada, Ph.D. | Rene Juna R. Claveria, Ph.D.
Kerve M. Supnet
Defense Date: April 30, 2025
Thesis Title: Lithofacies and Architectural Analysis of Viga Conglomerate (Catanduanes Province, Philippines)
Mr. Supnet conducted detailed sedimentological analysis of the Viga Conglomerate to interpret its depositional history and structural framework.
Panel:
- Adviser: Allan Gil S. Fernando, Ph.D.
- Reader: Sandra G. Catane, Ph.D.
- Examiners: Leopoldo P. De Silva Jr., Ph.D. | Leo T. Armada, Ph.D.
John Kenneth B. Badillo
Defense Date: May 14, 2025
Thesis Title: Pressure–Temperature–Deformation (P–T–D) History and Petrogenesis of Metamorphic Rocks in the Romblon Island Group
In a hybrid defense, Mr. Badillo presented his work on metamorphic processes shaping the Romblon Island Group, contributing to a better understanding of regional tectonics.
Panel:
- Adviser: Gabriel Theophilus V. Valera, D.Sc.
- Reader: Emmanuel A. Codillo, Ph.D. (Carnegie Institution for Science, USA)
- Examiners: Betchaida D. Payot, Ph.D. | Allan Gil S. Fernando, Ph.D.
Edrian M. Tubalado
Defense Date: May 23, 2025
Thesis Title: Extreme Wave Events Inferred from Large Subaerial Carbonate Boulders on a Rocky Coast in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte, Philippines
Mr. Tubalado examined geological evidence of extreme wave activity along Ilocos Norte’s coastline, offering insights into past high-energy coastal events.
Panel:
- Adviser: Noelynna T. Ramos, D.Sc.
- Reader: Kevin L. Garas, Ph.D. (Mines and Geosciences Bureau)
- Examiners: Allan Gil S. Fernando, Ph.D. | Chelo S. Pascua, Ph.D.
These successful defenses reflect the dedication and scholarly rigor of NIGS graduate students and their advisers. Their research contributes significantly to the growing body of knowledge on Philippine geology and highlights the institute’s continued commitment to advancing the geosciences.