Marcos inks law modernizing PHIVOLCS

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. signed into law a measure modernizing the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

Republic Act No. 12180, known as the PHIVOLCS Modernization Act, aims to provide the agency with state-of-the-art equipment, highly trained personnel, and more seismic stations that shall effectively increase the capability to detect and locate earthquake, volcanic and seismic events, particularly in communities at risk.

The new law aims to upgrade physical resources and operational standard through the acquisition and development of state-of-the-art instruments, equipment, facilities, and systems to enhance capabilities in providing critical, timely, accurate, and reliable volcanological and seismological data and localized warning and information services for decision support in disaster preparedness, climate change adaptation, water resources security and management, agriculture, transportation, health, tourism, and other sectors.

It will also push for advance research and development capabilities by adopting a systematic approach and integrating all developed methodologies focused on the improvement of vital operations.

This law will also expand volcanological and seismological monitoring stations in strategic sites in the country, with the aim to broaden the base for the delivery of services in the countryside.

A more competitive base pay and benefits for the PHIVOLCS personnel to promote professionalism and commitment to the service are being pushed as well under this new law.

The components of the modernization include: Upgrading and Maintenance of Physical Resources and Operational Standards, Volcano Monitoring Network and Information System Development, Earthquake Monitoring Network and Information System Development, Reliable Monitoring, and Enhancement of Earthquake Monitoring Network for the Protection or Conservation of the Built Environment.

Under the law, there is the creation of the PHIVOLCS Modernization Fund which will be used for the PHIVOLCS Modernization Program.

An amount of P7 billion, appropriated by Congress under the General Appropriations Act, which shall be treated as a distinct and separate budget item from the regular appropriation for the Department of Science and Technology. —VAL, GMA Integrated News