AS part of the Province’s Strategic Change Agenda on environmental sustainability, the Provincial Government (PGBh) opens its doors to scientists interested in environmental research in Bohol.
After Typhoon Odette left environmental devastation to the Province in 2021, PGBh wants to invite more scientists to mitigate environmental deterioration, proper resource management, and build a robust disaster risk reduction plan in times of natural hazards. With Bohol being vulnerable to the effects of the climate crisis, the Provincial Government is now more open to collaborating with researchers interested in using the Province as a research locale.
Further, as provided in Article X, Section 158 of the revised Bohol Environment Code, PGbh shall collaborate with research institutions and disseminate research studies.
The Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office recently hosted a researcher from the University of the Philippines-Diliman as part of their initiative to encourage more scientific studies conducted in the Province, especially on the various geological sites part of Bohol’s de-facto Geopark.
Angelo Panlaqui, a licensed chemist and an Environmental Engineering student from UP-Diliman, conducted scientific fieldwork on Bohol’s caves from February 26 to March 8 for his graduate research.
When asked why he chose Bohol as a research area, Panlaqui answered that he became interested in visiting the Province for his pioneering study due to its campaign to be an aspiring Global Geopark of UNESCO. With the Bohol Geopark Committee and the Provincial Information and Media Office, Panlaqui traveled to different geological sites all over the Province for his fieldwork. He expects to get the results of his study after three months and is eager to share them with the Provincial Government.
He added that he hopes his graduate thesis can contribute to Bohol’s overall cave management strategies and policies that LGUs can adopt.
BPEMO OIC Jovencia Ganub said that she sees inviting more scientists and researchers to Bohol as an opportunity to inspire Boholanos to love science. Ganub mentioned that a high level of expertise creates better environmental awareness, citing Panlaqui’s research as integral to better conservation of the Province’s caves.
She added that more scientific research propels the Province to move forward and create more sustainable policies that tackle areas such as agriculture, education, environmental conservation, business, social services, and health, increasing the quality of life for Boholanos. Through the influx of Scientific interest, Ganub hopes this will compel LGUs to invest in science laboratories and research facilities and explore the opportunities that science can give for Bohol’s development.(GMC)
