UP geologists sweep 2023 PRC Licensure Exam

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We are pleased to announce that all topnotchers in the recently-held Geologists Licensure Exam are from our very own National Institute of Geological Sciences!

All ten topnotchers of the Philippine Regulation Commission’s (PRC’s) recently-conducted annual Geologists Licensure Exam are from the UP Diliman College of Science National Institute of Geological Sciences (UPD-CS NIGS).

Jerome Garcia Formaran aced the exam with a score of 84.70%, followed by Paulo Lim Realengo and Twinkle Caubalejo Kang at 83.80% and 82.00%, respectively. The rest of the top performers in the fourth to tenth spots were Gerard Vann Vincent Tacuyan Gomez (82.80%); Venus Aquino Tagle (82.70%); Aris Paolo Afable Castro (82.50%); Paul Joshua Paclibar Villora (82.40%); Sophia Therese Leonida Pamati-an (82.20%); Rio Angela Funakoshi Castro (81.80%); and Rose Valerie Aranda Pimentel (81.60%).






UPD-CS NIGS was also the overall top-performing school, with 48 of 52 examinees having passed the licensure exam—a passing rate of 92.31% for the Institute. In comparison, the total passing rate for all 351 examinees from across the country was 47.01%.

The PRC Geologists Licensure Exam was computer-based, and held online from November 13 to 15, 2023.

Pursuant to Republic Act 10166, also known as the Geology Profession Act of 2012, the PRC Geology Licensure is a requirement for any individual who wants to practice geology as a profession in the Philippines.

Advocate mothers urge government to prohibit banned toxic chemicals used in plastic toys, amid new evidence

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“We unknowingly expose our children to plastic toys contaminated with toxic chemicals, which have been prohibited worldwide since 2017. Soft plastic toys like inflatable hopping horses, squeaky toy animals, shrilling chickens, rubber duckies, and dolls containing harmful chemicals called short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) remain unregulated in our local markets, posing a significant risk to our children’s health,” said Thony Dizon, Campaigner for Safe Toys for Kids of BAN Toxics.

BAN Toxics expresses serious concerns as recent evidence suggests the continued proliferation of plastic toys and consumer products tainted with chlorinated paraffin. A study by the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) reveals alarming levels of these toxins in toys from ten countries, including the Philippines. The toys were analyzed at an accredited laboratory in Prague, Czechia, highlighting the global nature of this issue.

The study found both SCCPs and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) in toys from the country, known for their toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulative nature. Despite the ban on SCCPs and the ongoing evaluation of MCCPs under the Stockholm Convention, these hazardous chemicals persist in various consumer products, endangering children and adults who come in daily contact with them.

Despite the global ban on SCCPs and the ongoing evaluation on MCCPs under the Stockholm Convention, these highly toxic chemicals persist in consumer products, including children’s toys, PVC curtains, kitchen hand blenders and electronic devices, clothing, and paintings. This is both shocking and alarming because when children play with such contaminated plastics, they are exposed daily to elevated concentrations of chlorinated paraffins. These toxic chemicals leach into dust and are inhaled, come into contact with the skin, and can be orally transferred when children mouth or chew on them.

SCCPs were prohibited in 2017 without exemptions for toys under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), a legally binding global treaty to which the Philippines has been a party since 2004. Governments that ratified the Convention are required to act on the elimination, restriction, and reduction of the production, use, and trade of the listed POPs chemicals, which include SCCPs, while ensuring environmentally sound management of POPs stockpiles and wastes. Some toys even surpass proposed health-protective levels, still under negotiation within the Convention. Chlorinated paraffins, widely used in industrial processes, demand immediate attention from policymakers and regulators.

BAN Toxics urges swift action, as SCCPs and various forms of chlorinated paraffin are listed under the Philippine Inventory of Chemicals and Chemicals Substances (PICCS), indicating their current use, manufacture, and importation into the country.

“We urge the government to address these issues, eliminate or reduce SCCPs and MCCPs, and prioritize risk assessments on the entire class of chlorinated paraffins following the Stockholm Convention. Regulation, limitation, gradual phase-out, or banning of these toxic substances are necessary to safeguard human health and the environment,” Dizon added.

The lack of adequate and proper labeling compounds the problem, according to BAN Toxics, considering chlorinated paraffin’s widespread global production. It emphasizes the importance of transparency and traceability in plastic product materials to enable informed decision-making throughout the product value chain.

“Transparency and traceability for the chemical composition of materials in plastic products and sharing of disclosed information throughout the value chains is of paramount importance. Regulators, manufacturers, importers, retailers, consumers, and recyclers can make informed decisions if these challenges are properly addressed,” said BAN Toxics.

“As these issues are of global significance, it is timely that our recommendations are incorporated into the ongoing negotiations for a global plastics treaty in Nairobi, where the intergovernmental negotiating committee of the United Nations Environment Assembly (INC-3) meets until the 16th of November. Civil society, including BAN Toxics, actively advocate for these measures by participating in person during the treaty negotiation,” the group added.

The group said it will engage with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Food and Drugs Administration, sharing IPEN's study and urging them to prioritize plastic toys potentially containing toxic chlorinated paraffins for prompt consideration.

10 reasons why cruising is better than an all-inclusive resort

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(and why you should book your cruise trip this Black Friday!)


From now till 21 November 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line is having its Black Friday sale, with 50% off on all cruises + free at sea promotion!*

At first glance, all-inclusive resorts seem to have it all: food, drinks, entertainment, shopping, spa services, and a beautiful destination. However, on a cruise vacation with NCL, you get all of this and much more.

Have you heard the phrase, “Variety is the spice of life”? Well, variety is the spice of the cruising life, for sure! Cruises offer more variety, which leads to a better overall value and experience.

With further inspection and review of the list below, you'll understand why cruising can be better than an all-inclusive resort vacation.1. You get to explore multiple destinations for no additional cost while cruising. At an all-inclusive resort, you only get to experience one destination unless you want to add more expense and travel time. That means you'll be waking up to the same view every day, whereas you'll have a new gorgeous backdrop every morning on a Norwegian cruise. And, the best part - you only have to pack and unpack once!


2. On a cruise, you have more options for things to do. Norwegian cruises offer trivia, bowling, raffles, and art auctions, for starters. If you want to keep a regular workout routine, explore the fitness centre, relax with a much-needed spa treatment, or go shopping right on board. Depending on the itinerary, you may also have destination-themed activities, talks, and more.
3. You will have better entertainment on a cruise vacation. From Broadway-style singing and dancing shows to comedians and everything in between, there is no room for boredom aboard a cruise with Norwegian!


4. Cruise prices, without excursions or extras, are generally lower than all-inclusive resort prices. Plus, with Norwegian's Free at Sea, you can enjoy an unlimited open bar! Comparing room and board, food, drinks, and entertainment, cruising wins out in my book. For example, did you know that you can cruise to Hawaii with Norwegian for half the price of an all-inclusive resort vacation?5. On a cruise ship, you have a bigger variety of food choices. While an all-inclusive resort will have one or two restaurants on-site, a Norwegian Cruise offers many dining options, including a mixture of buffets, specialty restaurants, and main dining rooms. Plus, you have the option of enjoying lots of delicious local culinary specialties in every port you visit.


6. Cruise ships are family-friendly and have amenities for kids as well, such as a race car track like on Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss, or ziplining and rock climbing aboard the Norwegian Breakaway. Aboard the newer Norwegian Encore, you'll find a racetrack at sea, a kids' aqua park, and a Splash Academy, all of which are sure to entertain your kids every day. Whether you have younger kids or teenagers, there's something for everyone on a Norwegian cruise vacation.


7. Cruise ships have casinos! The vast majority of all-inclusive resorts do not. You'll find table games and slot machines. Look for special events, promotions, and tournaments too. And for the icing on the cake, Norwegian has the best casinos at sea!


8. While cruising, you have the option to completely disconnect. If you're staying at a resort on dry land, you will tend to do your normal routine of checking emails and responding to messages. If you're on a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean, you can completely disconnect if you desire to. If you do need to check your work email or get a message at home, Norwegian offers Internet Packages so you can connect as often as you'd like.


9. Norwegian Cruise Line has some completely unique experiences that you won't find at an all-inclusive. The Skyy® Vodka Ice Bar is a one-of-a-kind bar where everything is made from ice. On a Norwegian cruise, if you're a thrill-seeker, you're sure to find your way on the top deck, whether you're zooming across hairpin turns on our race tracks at sea, or chasing a win on our open-air laser tag course. These are the types of things you wouldn't necessarily be able to do at an all-inclusive resort and are what sets cruising apart from other vacations.


10. When you choose Norwegian, you'll also have the opportunity to experience a whole new class of ships. With the introduction of Prima Class, you have even more amenities that surpass an all-inclusive resort. Enjoy greater wide open spaces, outdoor dining, infinity pools, gorgeous observation lounges, a three-story racetrack, and more. Book a Prima Class cruise on Norwegian Prima or Norwegian Viva.





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