The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) will inaugurate the Ibajay Seismic Station on February 27, 2018 8:00 A.M. at Ibajay Seismic Station in Aklan State University, Ibajay, Aklan.
PHIVOLCS aims to expand the Philippine Seismic Network by establishing additional earthquake monitoring stations located strategically all over the country. The recently established station is located in Ibajay, Aklan. This station will significantly benefit not only the Province of Aklan but also the Panay Island and the whole country as well through increased detectability of events and more accurate and timely determination of earthquake parameters of events generated by active earthquake sources in and around the province. These parameters are important inputs for detailed delineation of earthquake hazards that could possibly affect the province and the island of Panay which then is used for disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and response plans. These plans are very important tools for decisions made by authorities in the information provided to the public. These will also help us to respond properly when an earthquake occurs.
The Island of Panay is transected and bounded by active earthquake generators and therefore, large-magnitude earthquakes have occurred in the region such as the Magnitude 7.2 December 1621 earthquake that changed the course of Aklan River, and the 1948 Magnitude 8.1 Panay Island earthquake (The Lady Caycay earthquake) which is one of the biggest earthquakes in the Philippines and damaged numerous historical churches in Panay Island.
Following the inauguration, PHIVOLCS will hold a press conference dubbed as PHIVOLCS InfoSentro that aims to give an update regarding the earthquake monitoring stations located in Ibajay and nearby areas, and PHIVOLCS’ projects and Disaster Risk Reduction programs to enhance the public’s means of preparedness for geologic events.
For information about the event, please contact:
Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr.
Undersecretary for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change, DOST
and Officer-in-Charge, PHIVOLCS
(632) 926-2611
[Download PRESS RELEASE Here]
