Rushurgent Working Group

The Rushurgent Working Group (RWG) is the first multi-disciplinary research team at the University of the Philippines - National Institute of Geological Sciences (UP-NIGS), and is widely recognized for leading the way in regional geologic studies. The RWG was formed in 1991 when Dr. Graciano P. Yumul Jr. initially brought together a group of researchers working on igneous petrology, geochemistry, economic geology and exploration geophysics. Over the years, it has grown and expanded as researchers with other specializations joined the RWG.

RWG integrates a wide range of methods and scientific disciplines to advance the understanding of the complex tectonic setting and evolution of the Philippine island arc system. The group's research expertise spans Igneous Petrology and Geochemistry, Exploration and Marine Geophysics, Metamorphic Petrology, Sedimentary Geochemistry, Economic Geology, Environmental Science and Neotectonics.

Members of the RWG have been recognized for their outstanding contributions. Their work has earned accolades, including the prestigious Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos Award, the Outstanding Young Scientist Award, the National Research Council of the Philippines Achievement Award, and the UP Scientific Productivity System Award.

 

News

 
 
Strong Start to 2026 with Inter-Agency Collaboration

Strong Start to 2026 with Inter-Agency Collaboration

January 6, 2026

 
Happy Holidays 2025

Happy Holidays from the Rushurgent Working Group!

December 20, 2025

Publications

 
Jabagat, K. D., Lee, Y. H., Tsai, W. L., Lee, H. Y., Gabo-Ratio, J. A. S., & Dimalanta, C. B. (2025). Geochronological and geochemical constraints on juvenile continental crust formation in the Eocene Luzon intra-oceanic arc, Philippines. Geoscience Letters, 12, 73.
Novero, M. J., Sangalang, K. J., Gabo-Ratio, J. A. S., Dimalanta, C. B., Payot, B. D., Jabagat, K, & Lee, Y. H. (2025). Arc polarity reversal in North Luzon preserved in the Oligocene–Miocene clastic units in southwestern Mountain Province, Philippines: insights from trace element geochemistry, microfossil ages, and zircon U–Pb dating. Geoscience Letters, 12, 69.
Valera, G. T. V., Payot, B. D., Kawakami, T., Sakata, S., Niki, S., & Hirata, T. (2025). From spreading to subduction: Timelines of induced subduction zones recorded in the Central Palawan Ophiolite. Lithos, 108346.