Northern Samar sites checked for geological monuments tag
NATURAL WONDER Some of Northern Samar’s natural wonders, including the stunning rock formations in Biri town as shown in this September 2024 photo, are being assessed by geologists for consideration as National Geological Monuments. —Photo courtesy of Biyahero.ph
TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, Philippines — A team of geologists conducted a three-day assessment to push the declaration of Biri Rock Formations and other geological sites in Northern Samar province as National Geological Monuments (NGM).
The delegation, which arrived in the province on March 23, included representatives from the National Committee on Geological Sciences, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), and the University of the Philippines-National Institute of Geological Sciences (UP-NIGS).
Dr. Allan Gil Fernando, a geologist and micropaleontologist from UP-NIGS, is part of the team.
The Northern Samar Provincial Planning and Development Office (NSPPDO), in a statement posted on Facebook on March 25, said the geologists’ mission focused on geological surveys, site validation, and scientific data collection to support the NGM declaration.
The fieldwork involved mapping, rock sampling, and microscopic analysis to determine the age and composition of rock formations in the province.
Among the sites under evaluation were the Biri Rock Formations in Biri town and Mampugay Falls, the highest waterfall on Samar Island, found in Palapag town.
During their visit to Mampugay Falls, the geologists collected rock samples, including conglomerate, a coarse sedimentary rock.
Experts believed the rock samples could offer valuable insights into Palapag’s geological history. Initial findings also indicated the presence of fossil-rich limestone and calcareous siltstone, a type of sedimentary rock composed mainly of silt-sized particles and calcium carbonate.
These formations, the NSPPDO said, suggest that parts of Northern Samar may have once been covered by shallow marine or lake environments, offering clues to ancient ecosystems.
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Tourism, conservation
Northern Samar Gov. Edwin Marino Ongchuan has supported the initiative, emphasizing its potential to boost geotourism, scientific research, and environmental conservation under his “Padayon nga Kauswagan” or sustained progress development agenda.
If granted NGM status, these sites could bring in more tourists, researchers, and geology enthusiasts, further promoting responsible tourism while ensuring their long-term preservation, the NSPPDO said.
The NGM program, led by UP-NIGS, aims to recognize and protect sites of exceptional geological significance in the Philippines.
These sites showcase outstanding rock formations, landforms, or geological features that hold valuable scientific, educational, and cultural importance.
Among the recognized NGMs in the Philippines are the Chocolate Hills in Bohol; Taal Volcano in Batangas; the rice terraces in Ifugao; Hundred Islands in Alaminos City, Pangasinan; and Mayon Volcano in Albay.
