DENR wants geologist for every province

MANILA, Philippines - The government is considering hiring at least one geologist for every province, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said yesterday.

DENR Secretary Ramon Paje said they have submitted a proposal to the Department of Budget and Management asking for funds for the hiring of geologists. He said the additional geologists are needed for geohazard mapping.

Paje said the “geoscience” part of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau must be enhanced through the local government units.

“It will be up to the local government to hire a resident geologist. Though they have provincial environment and natural resource officers, having an expert like a geologist is better,” he said.

The DENR chief said if the provinces lack funds for the hiring, the national government should give support to the local government units.

The agency provides scholarships to students taking up environment-related courses like geology.