MABAROTBOT: THE BUBBLING MUD

Most people hate mud, but what if this mud gives development to you, to people and
community?
It is not expected in a far-flung area in Paracelis, Mountain Province that there is a fascinating
creation of nature, a bubbling mud that looks like little volcanoes that if you are going to fire at it, it
glares. The irony is when you touch the mud it’s not hot. Measurements, there were 5 mud
volcanoes around the place. Each mud volcano is characterized by tens of vents and bubbling pools.
Mud volcanoes represent the largest expression of natural methane release into the
atmosphere; however, the gas flux has never been investigated in detail.
In connection to this discovery, Science teachers of Paracelis Technical and Vocational High
School (BANTAS) keep on going to that place to have an experiment.
In 1997, in the person of Mrs. Alipit and Mrs. Forayyo, both retired teacher of Science, made
an experiment about the bubbling mud. They found out that it produces a methane gas, together
with their students they put up a funnel on top of the mud then connected to a cellophane bag to
collect the gas. After a few minutes, they took the bag full of gas, connected to a hose ant lit up the
other end and used it to cook an egg. It actually worked and proved that natural gas in the of
methane exist in it. So, they are requesting to check on it if it can be harness for the consumption of
the community.
Prior to this, in 1995 the DOE tested it and they confirmed that the bubbling mud contains a
methane gas or natural gas but it is not for commercial quantity. It is only enough to supply a certain
community. They said that the gas being produced is decreasing. The amount can’t supply mass of
people.
Methane gas has two major sources: biogenic, due to the bacterial production of gas; and
thermogenic, due to leakage of deeper gas reservoirs. Still to find out, if the methane gas produced
by the bubbling mud in Mabarotbot is biogenic or thermogenic.
Below are some of my shots when we toured the site, what made me capture them is that it
is one of a kind and has a contribution to community if further study will be conducted. Thanks for
my Mom for bringing me here, not only that I had the most memorable educational adventure tour,
but it also gave me an opportunity to share Paracelis’ pride.