Phivolcs Modernization Act to boost disaster monitoring capabilities
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Modernization Act will boost the agency’s ability to monitor volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis, the agency announced Thursday.
Phivolcs made the statement during the reenactment of the signing of Republic Act No. 12180 at Malacañang Palace, joined by President Ferdinand Marcos and the law’s principal authors and sponsors, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Aklan 1st District Rep. Carlito Marquez.
The law was signed on April 24 and was posted in the Official Gazette on April 25.
“RA 12180, with a fund amounting to P7 billion, aims to strengthen technological resources, expand monitoring systems, and support the continuous professional development of Phivolcs, whose primary mandate is to issue timely, accurate, and reliable volcano, earthquake, and tsunami information to decision-makers, local government units, and affected communities,” the agency said.
“The law ensures that Phivolcs is well-equipped to address emerging challenges and provide science-based recommendations for disaster prevention and mitigation across the nation,” it added.
READ: President Marcos signs Phivolcs Modernization Act
According to Phivolcs, the modernization will also lessen “vulnerabilities, improve preparedness, and support effective disaster response strategies.
Under the law, the modernization of Phivolcs shall be carried out in accordance with the following objectives:
- Upgrade physical resources and operational standards through the acquisition of state-of-the-art instruments, equipment, facilities, and systems to enhance capabilities in providing critical and reliable volcanological and seismological data
- Advance research capabilities by adopting a systematic approach and integrating all developed methodologies focused on the improvement of vital operations, specialized functions, and services
- Expand seismological monitoring stations in strategic sites in the country to broaden the base for the delivery of services in the countryside
- Strengthen the state-of-the-art data center consistent with international standards to centralize the provision of volcanic earthquake, tsunami, and other related information to the public and stakeholders
- Strengthen linkages and cooperation at the national level among the various providers and users of geological, seismological, and other services
