The Senate approved the PHIVOLCS Modernization Act (Senate Bill No. 2825) on its Third and Final Reading on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, with 23 affirmative votes. The measure, sponsored by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, seeks to enhance the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology’s (PHIVOLCS) capacity to address disaster risks.
In his December 2024 sponsorship speech, Cayetano stressed the importance of upgrading PHIVOLCS’ resources and capabilities to improve disaster preparedness. He noted the Philippines’ vulnerability to natural hazards and emphasized the need to mitigate disaster risks through better equipment, expanded seismic monitoring stations, and improved personnel support.
The bill proposes the modernization of PHIVOLCS’ infrastructure, the increase of seismic monitoring stations, and the enhancement of personnel training and compensation. These measures aim to address gaps in the country’s disaster response and strengthen its early warning systems.
Senator Joel Villanueva expressed support for the measure, acknowledging its role in bolstering the country’s disaster preparedness efforts. Villanueva commended Cayetano’s leadership in advancing the bill, highlighting the need for timely and accurate data collection during disasters.
The bill’s approval comes as part of ongoing efforts to improve the Philippines’ disaster risk reduction measures, given its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire, which exposes it to frequent seismic and volcanic activities.
The measure will now be transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence.