Dr. Carlo Arcilla, former Director, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
Dr. Carlo A. Arcilla is a renowned Filipino geologist, academic and science leader. He previously served as Director of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) and earlier as Director of the National Institute of Geological Sciences at the University of the Philippines Diliman. He earned his Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering and Geosciences from the University of Illinois at Chicago and is widely recognized for his contributions to geology, mineral resource development, environmental science, and nuclear technology applications. During his tenure at PNRI, he championed the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology, including applications in healthcare, agriculture, industry, and environmental protection, while also promoting public understanding of nuclear energy in the Philippines.
 

Dr. Mario Aurelio, Professor, University of the Philippines National Institute of Geological Sciences
Dr. Mario A. Aurelio is a Professor at the National Institute of Geological Sciences, University of the Philippines Diliman, and one of the Philippines’ leading experts in structural geology and tectonics. He obtained his B.Sc. in Geology from the University of the Philippines and both his Masters and Ph.D. degrees from Université Pierre et Marie Curie in Paris, France. His research focuses on structural geology, tectonics, earthquakes, geohazards, and mineral and energy resource development. Over his distinguished academic career, he has contributed extensively to the understanding of Philippine geodynamics, fault systems and seismic hazards, advising government agencies and industry on geoscience and natural resource issues.
 

Alessandro O. Sales, Undersecretary, Philippines Department of Energy
Undersecretary Alessandro O. Sales is an experienced petroleum geologist and energy executive with more than four decades of experience in petroleum exploration, basin evaluation, field development, and energy sector management. Prior to joining the Department of Energy, he served as Vice President for Exploration and Production of Philodrill Corporation and led numerous oil and gas evaluation and exploration programmes in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia. Appointed DOE Undersecretary in 2022, he oversees the upstream and downstream oil and gas sectors as well as the coal industry. He also serves as the Permanent Alternate Chair of the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) Board and the National Biofuels Board, playing a central role in the Philippines’ energy security and resource development initiatives.