Marcos OKs Phivolcs’ modernization

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

FILE: A specialist of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology in Quezon City monitors Taal and Mayon volcanoes on Friday (June 9, 2023). (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed into law a measure modernizing the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to improve its technological operational capacity and strengthen its role.

Under Republic Act (RA) 12180, Phivolcs will be provided with state-of-the-art equipment, highly trained personnel, and more seismic stations to increase its capability to detect and locate earthquake, volcanic, and tsunami events, particularly in communities at risk.

RA 12180 mandates the executive director of Phivolcs to formulate the Phivolcs Modernization Program and oversee its implementation based on the policy objectives.

“The Phivolcs Modernization Program shall be implemented for a period of five years,” the law said.

The law creates the Phivolcs Modernization Fund that would be used exclusively for the modernization program.

An amount of PHP1.25 billion per year for the first four years and PHP2 billion for the fifth year will be appropriated for the Phivolcs Modernization Fund.

The agency’s physical resources and operational standards will be upgraded through state-of-the-art instruments, equipment, facilities and systems to enhance its capabilities in providing critical, timely, accurate, and reliable volcanological and seismological data and localized warning and information services.

A systematic approach will also be adopted to advance Phivolcs’ research and development capabilities.

Phivolcs’ volcanological and seismological monitoring stations will be expanded in strategic sites in the country to broaden its base for the delivery of services in the countryside.

To centralize the provision of volcanic, earthquake, tsunami and other related information to the public and stakeholders involved Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, a state-of-the-art data center will be strengthened, consistent with international standards.

The new law also facilitates the strengthening of linkages and cooperation at the national level among the various providers and users of geological, seismological and other services.

Under RA 12180, the base pay and benefits of Phivolcs personnel will also be more competitive to promote professionalism and commitment to the service.

Phivolcs is directed to engage with the private sector, civil society, academic community, and other stakeholders to pursue areas of collaboration.

A copy of RA 12180 was released on Friday.

The law takes effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.