In a unanimous decision, the bicameral conference committee has approved the final version of a bill aimed at modernizing the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The legislation, which merges Senate Bill 2828 and House Bill 10730, focuses on enhancing the agency’s technological capabilities to better manage disasters caused by volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and other geotectonic events.
Joey Salceda, a representative from Albay and a key figure in the bill’s development, emphasized that the modernization would significantly improve Phivolcs’ ability to predict and respond to seismic and volcanic activities. This would be achieved through upgrades in equipment, facilities, and better compensation for staff. Salceda stressed the importance of Phivolcs, particularly in Albay, where the active Mayon Volcano poses ongoing threats to the local population.
Salceda also expressed appreciation for the bicameral committee’s support and recognized the contributions of former Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum, now the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, to disaster management.
The bill is now poised for final ratification by both houses of Congress before being sent to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his signature.
Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino praised the timely approval of the bill, highlighting its relevance given the Philippines’ location on the Pacific Ring of Fire and recent volcanic activities involving Kanlaon, Mayon, and Taal.
The bicameral committee was co-chaired by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Aklan First District Representative Carlito Marquez.