The House of Representatives unanimously passed on third and final reading House Bill (HB) 10730, providing for the modernization of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
The bill, which shall be known as the PHIVOLCS Modernization Act and principally authored by Aklan Representative Carlito Marquez received 183 affirmative votes.
Under the bill, the modernization shall entail the improvement of PHIVOLCS’ technological operational capacity, thereby strengthening its role to mitigate disasters arising from volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunami and other related geotectonic phenomena.
“There is an urgent need to modernize, upgrade, and expand their personnel, ensuring that they are equipped and trained to operate new cutting-edge technology.”
“To efficiently adapt to modern times, Phivolcs must enhance its capability and capacity in providing services that protect our people. There is an urgent need to modernize, upgrade, and expand their personnel, ensuring that they are equipped and trained to operate new cutting-edge technology,” Marquez said.
The bill also seeks to enable the agency to realize its vision to become a center of excellence for related information services.
HB 10730 provides for the creation of the PHIVOLCS Modernization Fund in the amount of P7 billion.
“Improving the pay and benefits of Phivolcs officials and staff is essential to track and retain the top current scientists in this critical field
“Improving the pay and benefits of Phivolcs officials and staff is essential to track and retain the top current scientists in this critical field,” the legislator said.
The P7 billion shall be sourced from the national government’s share in the net income from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Philippine Ports Authority and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.
