The University of the Philippines National Institute of Geological Sciences (UP NIGS) conducted a series of Master’s Thesis Defenses for candidates of the Master of Science in Geology during October to December 2025 at the NIGS Seminar Room. The defenses highlighted graduate research focused on tectonics, geohazards, and metamorphic geology, reflecting the Institute’s continued commitment to advanced geoscience research and training.
Mr. Nikko M. Balanial defended his Master’s Thesis entitled “Records of Subduction Initiation in the Proto–South China Sea? Insights from the Volcanic Rocks in the Ophiolites of Southern Palawan” on 22 October 2025. His research explored the geodynamic evolution of the Proto–South China Sea through the study of ophiolitic volcanic rocks in Southern Palawan. The thesis was conducted under the advisership of Dr. Betchaida D. Payot, with Dr. Americus d.C. Perez serving as co-adviser. The thesis committee included Dr. Juan Miguel R. Guotana as thesis reader, and Dr. Carlo A. Arcilla and Dr. Carla B. Dimalanta as thesis examiners.
From L-R: Dr. Betchaida D. Payot, Mr. Nikko M. Balanial, Dr. Juan Miguel R. Guotana (on screen) , Dr. Carla B. Dimalanta, and Dr. Americus d.C. Perez
On 26 November 2025, Mr. Oliver Paul C. Halasan presented and defended his thesis entitled “Topographic and Geomechanical Influence on the Spatial Distribution of October 2019 Earthquake-Triggered Landslides in Makilala and Tulunan, Cotabato Province.” His study examined the factors controlling landslide occurrence following a major seismic event, contributing to improved understanding of earthquake-induced geohazards. His thesis adviser was Dr. Sandra G. Catane, with Dr. Arthuro S. Daag as thesis reader, and Dr. John Dale B. Dianala and Dr. Allan Gil S. Fernando serving as thesis examiners.
From L-R: Dr. Allan Gil S. Fernando, Dr. John Dale B. Dianala, Mr. Oliver Paul C. Halasan, Dr. Sandra G. Catane, and Dr. Arturo S. Daag
Mr. Lyndon P. Nawanao Jr. defended his thesis entitled “From Trench to Coast: Investigating the Late Quaternary Tectonic History and Seismic Hazard Potential of the Negros–Sulu Trench System, Philippines” on 10 December 2025. His research focused on the tectonic evolution and seismic hazard implications of the Negros–Sulu Trench system. The thesis was supervised by Dr. Noelynna T. Ramos, with Dr. Winchelle Ian G. Sevilla as thesis reader, and Dr. Leo T. Armada and Dr. John Dale B. Dianala as thesis examiners.
From L-R: Dr. Noelynna T. Ramos, Mr. Lyndon P. Nawanao Jr., Dr. Winchelle Ian G. Sevilla (on screen), Dr. John Dale B. Dianala, and Dr. Leo T. Armada
Finally, on 15 December 2025, Mr. Andrew Exequiel S. Tabilog defended his Master’s Thesis entitled “Pressure–Temperature–Deformation (P–T–D) History and Petrogenesis of Metamafic Rocks in Tablas Island, Romblon.” His research focused on the metamorphic evolution and petrogenesis of metamafic rocks and their tectonic implications. His thesis adviser was Dr. Gabriel Theophilus V. Valera, with Dr. Betchaida D. Payot as thesis reader, and Dr. Joshua M. Garber and Dr. Leo T. Armada as thesis examiners.
From L-R: Dr. Gabriel Theophilus V. Valera, Mr. Andrew Exequiel S. Tabilog, Dr. Joshua M. Garber (on screen), and Dr. Betchaida D. Payot
UP NIGS recognizes the successful completion of these thesis defenses and extends its commendation to the candidates and their advisory committees for their commitment to advancing geological research and academic excellence.