PHIVOLCS honors scientific efforts on 35th anniversary of 1991 Pinatubo eruption

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recently honored individuals, institutions and scientific efforts on the 35th anniversary of the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption.

In partnership with the Holy Angel University (HAU) Center for Kapampangan Studies, the commemoration highlights the volcanic disaster risk reduction initiatives and the relevance of the lessons learned from the eruption.

PHIVOLCS held “Pinatubo at 35: Remembering Pinatubo Lessons from the Past, Empowering Communities” from June 9 to 11, 2026.

A commemorative marker was unveiled during a wreath-laying ceremony on June 9 in Clark Freeport Zone.

The marker commemorates the 1991 eruption, which is considered one of the largest volcanic eruptions of the 20th century, PHIVOLCS said.

It also recognizes the collective efforts of scientists, government agencies, local communities, international partners, and media organizations that helped save lives and reduce the impacts of the disaster.

PHIVOLCS also conducted a conference that discussed volcanic hazards, disaster preparedness, emergency response, advances in volcanology, lessons from the Pinatubo experience, and policy dimensions of volcanic risk reduction and resilience.

Among the participants are experts and researchers from PHIVOLCS, the United States Geological Survey, the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, Tarlac Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Pampanga Press Club, Clark Development Corporation, Philippine Red Cross, and Mekeni Food Corporation.

Mount Pinatubo straddles the provinces of Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales.

The eruption, which occurred on June 15, 1991, eventually became the second-largest eruption in the world in the 20th century.

It left 847 fatalities, 184 injured, and 23 missing, according to park.org, a website devoted to Mount Pinatubo. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA News