Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10166)
Republic Act No. 10166 is titled 'An Act Regulating the Practice of Geology in the Philippines, Repealing for the Purpose Republic Act Numbered Four Thousand Two Hundred Nine (R.A. No. 4209), Otherwise Known as the Geology Profession Act of the Philippines, and for Other Purposes.'
The policy is to supervise and regulate the practice of geology, upgrade geology education and the quality of geologists to ensure world-class and globally competitive standards of professional practice through regulatory measures, programs, and activities.
The practice of geology means offering or rendering services in any specialized branches of geology for a fee, reward, or compensation, or even without such compensation.
The Board supervises and regulates the practice of geology, administers licensure exams, issues certificates of registration, investigates violations, inspects institutions, adopts rules and ethics codes, and prosecutes offenders, among other duties.
They must be natural-born Filipino citizens, holders of at least a bachelor's degree in geology, registered geologists with at least 10 years of continuous practice, have no pecuniary interest in geology education institutions or review classes, and members of the Accredited Professional Organization (APO) but not officers or trustees thereof.
It includes geological surveys, mineral exploration, study of geohazards, hydrogeological studies, rock and soil investigation, environmental data evaluation, laboratory studies, preparation of geological reports, teaching geology courses, among others as determined by the Board.
At least once a year, in places and on dates designated by the Professional Regulation Commission.
General Geology, Petrology and Mineralogy, and Applied Geology. The Board may revise the subjects as needed with Commission approval.
A candidate must have a general weighted average of at least 70% and not less than 50% in any examination subject.
Ph.D. graduates in Geology or equivalent specialized degrees from recognized universities may be exempted upon Board evaluation but must still register similarly to passers of the exam.
Fines ranging from PHP 10,000.00 to PHP 1,000,000.00, imprisonment from one month to five years, or both, at the court's discretion.
Only if granted a temporary or special permit by the Board, and subject to reciprocity agreements. Their practice is limited to the terms of their permits.
Upon notice and hearing, the Board may revoke or suspend a certificate for grounds including violations of the Act, incompetence, fraud, immorality, illegal practice, or if declared addicted to drugs/alcohol or unsound mind, in accordance with administrative investigation rules.
The seal must be affixed on professional documents such as plans, specifications, and reports, signifying that they were prepared or supervised by the registered geologist.
The APO is the official integrated professional organization accredited by the Board and the Commission. Membership is mandatory for all registered geologists and it supports professional integration and development.