A FILIPINA geologist earned her master’s degree in earth science at Tohoku University through a Tokyo-funded scholarship program.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency said that Marie Thess Quilalang-Gemal completed her research on the rock formations of Parker Volcano in South Cotabato to investigate its origin and magmatic processes.

Quilalang-Gemal is a geologist from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology.

Her studies in Japan form part of the long-term training that JICA offers to young Filipino professionals in development fields such as disaster risk reduction and management.

“My studies in Japan was an opportunity for me to enhance my capacity as a geologist, increase knowledge and develop skills in volcanic hazards and risks assessment. Since Japan and the Philippines share similar geographic and tectonic setting, Japan’s approach in DRRM can be applied in the Philippines,” Quilalang-Gemal said.

She noted that Japan’s analytical techniques in rocks’ chemical composition “are useful and vital in generating data in order to construct a petrogenetic model on the magmatic evolution of a volcano.”

Parker Volcano was formed by various geological processes. It is an active volcano and has similar characteristics to Mount Pinatubo Volcano in Zambales province.

This means the volcano has the potential for a dangerous and explosive eruption.

JICA said capacity strengthening program for Filipino geologists in Japan is an ideal option “to upgrade the Philippines’ analysis of the dynamic of volcanic eruptions and mitigating their impacts to Philippine communities.”

The program is also in support of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, which aims to reduce disaster risks and enhance resilience by promoting collaboration and partnership among stakeholders.

“Investing in capacity development activities is crucial to improve the Philippines’ disaster resiliency. We will continue to share Japan’s expertise with different stakeholders in the Philippines like national and local governments, communities, academe, and private sector to save lives and livelihood,” JICA Chief Representative Sakamoto Takema said.