President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act No. 12180, modernizing the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Thursday, April 25, 2025.
The "PHIVOLCS Modernization Act" mandates the implementation of a five-year modernization program for PHIVOLCS, which aims to provide the agency with state-of-the-art equipment, highly trained personnel, and more seismic stations.
The newly enacted law will strengthen the country's capacity to monitor and respond to geohazards such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis.
The 17-page Republic Act No. 12180 aimed at updating its operational capabilities in accordance with best international practices.
The law also mandates the improvement of the agency’s research and development facilities, and PHIVOLCS’ obligation to disseminate risk information or essential information with local governments and other stakeholders to prepare for disasters, as well as strengthening cooperation with foreign countries.
The modernization program will also include to strengthen linkages and cooperation at thenational level among the various providers and users of geological, seismological and other services; provide opportunities for continous learning and development to the knowledge, skills and caoacities of agency's personnel.
Furthermore, provide PHIVOLCS employees with more competitive base pay and benefits to promote professionalism and commitment to the service.
The Act provides tax exemptions for donations and grants to PHIVOLCS and simplifies documentation for the importation and consignment of scientific equipment, especially those related to collaborative international research.
Under Section 15, the law establishes the PHIVOLCS Modernization Fund, allocating about ₱7 billion, which will come from the national budget and will not be taken from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) funds.
An initial ₱1.25 billion will be allocated annually for the first four years, with ₱2 billion designated for the fifth year.
According to Marcos, the law aims to utilize all scientific and technical knowledge and information to ensure the safety and security of Filipinos and the environment from threats of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, and other similar natural phenomena.
