The 24th of April 2025 was a momentous day for DOST-PHIVOLCS with the approval of Republic Act No. 12180 or the PHIVOLCS Modernization Law, which will enhance the agency’s capacity in early warning, staff competency, and operational readiness. The reenactment of the signing of RA 12180 by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., along with Senator Alan Peter S. Cayetano and Cong. Carlito S. Marquez, the principal authors and sponsors, and DOST and PHIVOLCS key officials, will happen on 22 May 2025, 2:00 PM at the Malacañang Palace.

RA 12180, with a fund amounting to PhP7B, aims to strengthen technological resources, expand monitoring systems, and support the continuous professional development of DOST-PHIVOLCS, whose primary mandate is to issue timely, accurate, and reliable volcano, earthquake, and tsunami information to decision-makers, local government units, and affected communities. The law ensures that DOST-PHIVOLCS is well-equipped to address emerging challenges and provide science-based recommendations for disaster prevention and mitigation across the nation. The modernization will help reduce vulnerabilities, improve preparedness, and support effective disaster response strategies, ultimately contributing to the disaster resilience of Filipino communities and the protection of the country’s economic investments.

The passage of the law was strongly supported during the 19th Congress by 19 congressmen, led by Cong. Marquez, Aklan 1st District Representative and Chairperson of the Committee on Science and Technology at the House of Representatives, and by 11 senators, led by Senator Cayetano, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology. The 1st bill was filed in August 2022, finishing the entire legislative journey in 34 months.

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Teresito C. Bacolcol
Director, DOST-PHIVOLCS
(+632) 8-426-1468 to 79
teresito.bacolcol@phivolcs.dost.gov.ph