Benjamin S. Austria

Independent Director

AGE: 78
CITIZENSHIP: Filipino
FIRST ELECTED INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR: August 4, 2011
LAST RE-ELECTED INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR: July 8, 2024

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
Dr. Austria received his Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the University of the Philippines in 1965. He earned his Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Geology from Harvard University in 1968 and 1975, respectively. Dr. Austria retired in 2011 from the University of the Philippines (UP) as Professor of Geology after 45 years of service, teaching courses in Economic Geology, Geochemistry and Crystallography. The UP National Institute of Geological Sciences building was completed and inaugurated while he was Director of the Institute from 1987 to 1993.

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND/ EXPERIENCE
Dr. Austria is a registered Geologist and was recognized as the Outstanding Professional in the Field of Geology for 2001 by the Professional Regulation Commission of the Philippines. He has been a Member of the Board of Geology of the Professional Regulation Commission since 2016. He was Officer-in-Charge of the Board of Geology from November 2020 to March 2022. He is a Director and Chairman of the Earth Sciences & Geography Division of the Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science & Technology, a non-stock, non-profit corporation.

1. PXP Energy Corporation (Independent Director)