The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) marked its 70th year milestone by holding a hybrid onsite-online symposium called “Advances in SEVENTY (Science and Technology in Years) and DRRM” on 21 June 2022. The symposium was part of a series of week-long activities to commemorate the establishment of COMVOL, the predecessor of PHIVOLCS, in 1952. The symposium featured the Institute’s scientific advancements and technological innovation throughout the years.
DOST Undersecretary and PHIVOLCS Officer-in-Charge Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., in his welcome remarks, underscored the country’s vulnerability to geological and hydrometeorological hazards, and the need to come up with viable solutions to combat the impacts of these hazards. He also elaborated the strategic plans and partnerships of the Institute with various stakeholders.
The Keynote Speaker, DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña, recalled how he witnessed the improvements of DOST-PHIVOLCS in terms of equipment, facilities, and human resources, and commended its staff for their dedication and commitment.

Former DOST-PHIVOLCS employees and past and present partners were also invited to the symposium. Engr. Enrico Mangao, a retired employee, reminisced on his experience when he was transferred to PHIVOLCS from another DOST agency. He admitted that he had a culture shock and had to improve on his work habits while in service.
Former AGHAM Partylist Representative and Manila Broadcasting Company Senior Anchor Angelo Palmones thanked DOST-PHIVOLCS for its partnership with journalists and media practitioners, and for being a trusted source of information among the youth and the general public when in it comes to geohazards.
Albay Representative Joey Salceda also graced the event and he expressed his appreciation for the S&T initiatives of DOST and DOST-PHIVOLCS in the Philippines.
DOST-PHIVOLCS experts gave presentations on the various S&T milestones in volcano, earthquake, and tsunami research and development, monitoring, and applications. Information about the REDAS and GeoRiskPH particularly on how these tools can be used in DRRM preparedness and mitigation measures were also showcased. The presentation on the DOST-PHIVOLCS Communication Strategies and Practices outlined how the Institute promotes science communication and public engagement.
Deputy Director Teresito C. Bacolcol talked about the future of DOST-PHIVOLCS and outlined the 6-year plans of the Institute starting 2023 to 2028.
There were 140 onsite participants, 251 Zoom attendees, and 250 YouTube viewers composed of international and local development partners, national government agencies, local government units, academe, media, financing institutions, non-government organizations, and other DRR practitioners.
The overall theme of the anniversary is “70 Years: Upholding the Mandates, Breaking Science Frontiers for a Gender-Inclusive, Disaster-Resilient Philippines”.
