To support Earth Science teachers and enhance the teaching of the subject in Masbate, a two-day Workshop on Teaching Earth Science was held on July 21-22, 2025, at Gagay’s Resort and Hotel in Masbate City. Forty-five (45) junior high school teachers from across Masbate province participated in the workshop.
The main resource speaker, Dr. Joel Aquino, is a geologist and earth science educator based in the United States. With teaching experience spanning high school, college, and graduate levels, he has been recognized with teaching awards. In his session, the participants were engaged in a variety of hands-on activities that not only teach content but also emphasize the development of thinking skills. The participants took part in critical thinking and insightful activities anchored in real-world contexts.
Another resource person was Mr. Miguel Cano, also a geologist and an advocate for earth science education. He represents the Philippines as a council member to the International Geoscience Organization (IGEO) and has been serving as a mentor of the Philippine Team for the International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO). He discussed “Plate Tectonics: Philippines in Focus”, tracing through animation how the Philippines evolved in geologic time over the past 50 M years. In his session, the participants were engaged in an activity that examined how the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes is closely linked with plate boundaries. They also explored how specific visual models used in the classroom might create misconceptions.
Mr. Jerome Corpus, a retired geologist from Masbate, also shared his insights as an exploration geologist.
The event also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the partners that made this event possible. Signing in behalf of their respective institutions were: Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Raymundo M. Cantonjos for SDO Masbate, Prof. Magnolia Vida A. Cano, RCSMED Director, for Bicol University, and Dr. Joel Aquino, for his friends who provided support for the event. The program included inspiring messages from these key representatives, along with a special video message from Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III, President of Bicol University. The opening program was graced by the presence of SGOD Chief Dr. Mark Anthony Rupa, CID Chief Dr. Marma L. Capellan, and EPS in Science Mr. Manuel F. Teodoro.
Special thanks to all participants, partners, and facilitators for making the event a success.
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