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Cong. Marquez Pushes for the Modernization of PHIVOLCS
KALIBO, Aklan- The House of the Representatives hasΒ taken a significant step forward in bolstering the nation’s disaster preparedness with the approval of House Bill No. 10730 on Second Reading.
The bill, also known as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Modernization Act, is spearheaded by 1st District Representative of Aklan Cong. Carlito S. Marquez, the Chairperson of the Committee on Science and Technology.
This legislative measure aims to enhance the countryβs capacity to respond to natural disasters by modernizing DOST-Phivolcs, the agency responsible for monitoring seismic and volcanic activities.
In his sponsorship speech, Rep. Carlito S. Marquez underscored the importance of strengthening PHIVOLCS’ capabilities in the face of the Philippines’ unique geographic challenges. The country, though blessed with rich biodiversity, is vulnerable to natural disasters due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire. The Philippines hosts around 300 volcanoes, of which 24 are classified as active.
However, only 10 of these active volcanoes are currently being monitored, with only two having the full complement of necessary monitoring equipment.
“In a country like ours, where seismic and volcanic activities are a constant threat, it’s not a matter of if but when the next disaster will strike,” Rep. Carlito S. Marquez emphasized. “This bill is essential to ensuring that PHIVOLCS is fully equipped to protect our people from the devastating impacts of these natural calamities.”
House Bill No. 10730 proposes the modernization, upgrading, and expansion of PHIVOLCS’ personnel and infrastructure. It highlights the urgent need for increased funding to enhance the agency’s monitoring and warning capabilities, including the expansion of seismic stations and the deployment of cutting-edge technology to better understand and predict future earthquake and volcanic events.
“Modernizing PHIVOLCS is not just about enhancing technology; it’s about saving lives,” said Rep. Carlito S. Marquez. “By equipping the agency with the tools it needs, we can significantly improve our disaster preparedness and response, ultimately safeguarding millions of Filipinos.”
The bill has garnered overwhelming support, with over 200 members of the House of Representatives backing it. Following its approval on Second Reading, it is now one step closer to becoming law.
Rep. Carlito S. Marquez also drew a parallel between this effort and the modernization of PAGASA, the countryβs weather monitoring agency, which was successfully approved by the 16th Congress in 2015.
“Just as we empowered PAGASA to better monitor our skies, we must now do the same for PHIVOLCS, our watchdog on land,” Rep. Carlito S. Marquez remarked during his sponsorship speech.
As the country continues to face the threat of “The Big One,” a potential large-scale earthquake, the passage of this bill is seen as a critical move towards enhancing the nation’s disaster resilience.
“In the end, it is the Filipino people who will benefit most from this legislation, as we move forward towards achieving the goals and aspirations of the Bagong Pilipinas,” Rep. Carlito Marquez concluded, expressing optimism that the PHIVOLCS Modernization Bill will soon be signed into law.
