Senator Alan Peter Cayetano’s push to modernize the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) is now a reality.
This after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act No. 12180 or the PHIVOLCS Modernization Act, which is based on Senate Bill No. 2825 which Cayetano sponsored and defended in the Senate.
The law strengthens PHIVOLCS by upgrading its equipment, expanding its monitoring network, and increasing its personnel.
“By modernizing PHIVOLCS, we are making a bold move to ensure that science and innovation are at the heart of our disaster response and preparedness,” Cayetano said after leading the Senate in ratifying the final version of the PHIVOLCS Modernization Act earlier this year.
“The measure comes at a crucial time, following natural disasters like the recent eruption of Mount Kanlaon.”
The veteran legislator emphasized that the measure comes at a crucial time, following natural disasters like the recent eruption of Mount Kanlaon.
Among other upgrades, the law provides for the equipping of seismic monitoring systems in all 24 active volcanoes in the country, up from the previous 10. Likewise, the number of earthquake monitoring stations is expected to increase from 125 to 300.
“This law will fill the gaps in our disaster monitoring systems and help Filipinos become more prepared when calamities strike.”
“This law will fill the gaps in our disaster monitoring systems and help Filipinos become more prepared when calamities strike,” the seasoned lawmaker said.
The law allows PHIVOLCS to hire more experts and improve operational standards. It will also provide the agency with state-of-the-art instruments, equipment, and facilities to deliver timely and reliable data for disaster preparedness, climate change adaptation, agriculture, and other key sectors.
The law also supports advanced research and development by adopting a more systematic and integrated approach in improving PHIVOLCS’ operations.
The senator said the law will strengthen the country’s ability to respond to natural disasters while also promoting a culture of preparedness and environmental stewardship.
“What we can do is to be prepared, warn people, and of course what we can do is honor God’s creation by protecting nature,” he concluded.
