QuestionsQuestions (PROCLAMATION NO. 97)
Executive Order No. 625 (8 October 1980) was issued by President Ferdinand E. Marcos pursuant to the powers vested in him by the Constitution. Its purpose is to create and define the National Committee on Geological Sciences to coordinate unified national planning and Philippine participation in international geological activities, avoid duplication, facilitate data exchange, and advise policymakers.
The Committee is placed under the authority of the Office of the President.
The Committee serves (1) as an advisory body to the government and (2) as a coordinating body of all government agencies involved in international activities related to geological sciences, without prejudice to the internal affairs of individual agencies.
It defines Geological Sciences as disciplines in the natural sciences dealing with the earth—its composition, physics, structure, and evolution. It includes, among others, geochemistry, petrology, mineralogy, geophysics, geodynamics, structural geology, tectonics, geomorphology, volcanology, seismology, stratigraphy, paleontology, historical geology, and economic geology, plus interdisciplinary subjects such as marine geology, hydrogeology, engineering geology, petroleum geology, environmental geology, mining geology, and remote sensing in geology.
Examples include Geochemistry, Petrology, Mineralogy, Geophysics, Geodynamics, Structural Geology, Volcanology, Seismology, Stratigraphy, Paleontology, Historical Geology, and Economic Geology (any five).
The Bureau of Mines and Geo-Sciences is designated as the lead agency.
The Committee is composed of agencies through their official representatives, including: Bureau of Mines and Geo-Sciences; Bureau of Coast and Geodetic Survey; Commission on Volcanology; Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA); Department of Geology and Geography (UP); National Research Council of the Philippines; Natural Resources Management Center; Mines Research Division; Philippine Council for Agriculture and Resources Research; NEDA; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and other concerned agencies that may wish to join.
The primary responsibility stated is to ensure unified action by all government agencies in international activities related to the geological sciences.
Under Section 4, the Committee may: (1) advise the President and other entities on development in geological sciences (especially environmental protection and energy/mineral resources) and international participation; (2) coordinate, promote, and monitor national programs and Philippine participation in regional and international programs; (3) facilitate effective representation in international geological organizations; (4) facilitate compilation, storage, retrieval, analysis, and dissemination of geological science information; and (5) solicit/accept donations and contributions for programs; and (6) formulate rules and regulations necessary to administer the provisions.
It directs the Committee to coordinate and monitor national programs and Philippine participation in regional/international geological programs, and to facilitate effective representation through properly selected/organized adhering bodies and representatives in international geological organizations.
It can facilitate the compilation, storage, retrieval, analysis, and dissemination of information about geological sciences.
Yes. Section 4(5) allows the Committee to solicit and accept donations and monetary contributions from local and foreign sources for implementing/financing its programs.
The Committee members elect among themselves a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman. Their term is two years.
The Secretariat is headed by a permanent Executive Secretary, coming from the Bureau of Mines and Geo-Sciences as designated by the Director of Mines and Geo-Sciences. The Secretariat holds permanent office in the Bureau of Mines and Geo-Sciences.
The Director of Mines and Geo-Sciences is authorized to allocate and disburse funds necessary for operation and maintenance from savings out of the 1980 and 1981 budget allocation for the Bureau of Mines and Geo-Sciences.
Thereafter, the Committee’s budget shall be included in the budgetary requirements of the Bureau of Mines and Geo-Sciences.
It takes effect immediately.
No. The Committee’s coordinating role is “without prejudice to the internal affairs of the individual agencies concerned.”