NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 2152
^,''4. -1 Semite
23 MAY-9 A8S1
RECEIVED BY:
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MODERNIZATION OF THE PHILIPPINE INSTITUTE 
OF VOLCANOLOGY AND SEISMOLOGY (PHIVOLCS), PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines sits in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region on the fringes of the 
Pacific basin (from the Andes Mountains in South America, western coast of North 
America, Japan, Indonesia and Tonga) that Is an active belt of earthquake 
epicenters and volcanoes. Majority of the world's strongest earthquakes and as 
much as 75% of the world's volcanoes occur in this region. The Ring of Fire is the 
setting for several of the largest earthquakes in recorded history1.
The country has 24 active volcanoes, including Taal, Mayon and Pinatubo, 
whose eruption in 1991 is considered as the largest eruption of the 20th century. 
Meanwhile, there were around twenty destructive earthquakes with magnitude 6.0 
and higher which were recorded in various parts of the archipelago since 1973.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) is a 
service institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). It is 
mandated to mitigate disasters that may arise from volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, 
tsunami and related events. Since its establishment in 1952, then known as the 
Commission on Volcanology (COMVOL), up to the present, we relied on their
1 https://www.britannica.com/place/Ring-of-Fire


expertise in keeping communities safe against devastating ground movement, 
volcanic activities, and enormous sea waves.
In the same vein as Republic Act No. 10692 or the "PAGASA (Philippine 
Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) Modernization 
Act of 2015" and Republic Act No. 10867 or the "National Bureau of Investigation 
Reorganization and Modernization Act" which both mandated the acquisition of 
state-of-the-art equipment and laboratories as well as human resources capability 
building, this bill seeks to upgrade the resources and capacities of PHIVOLCS as the 
country's premier science and technology institution and authority on volcanoes, 
earthquake, and other related geotectonic phenomena. Enhancing the capacity of 
PHIVOLCS and providing them with the right and latest instruments mean bolstering 
our preparedness against disasters and reducing our vulnerabilities against 
geological hazards.
The Immediate passage of this proposed measure is earnestly endorsed.
INGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
s. No. 2152
23 MAY-9 A 8 51
RIXEIVLD BY.
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MODERNIZATION OF THE PHILIPPINE INSTITUTE 
OF VOLCANOLOGY AND SEISMOLOGY (PHIVOLCS), PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shali be known as the "PHIVOLCS
2 
Modernization Act"
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the poiicy of the State to utilize scientific
4 
and technical knowledge and information as effective instruments to ensure the
5 
safety, well-being and economic security of the people; to safeguard the
6 
environment; and to promote national progress and sustainable socioeconomic
7 
development through various applications of geology, geophysics, geodetic
8 
engineering and allied sciences. The State also recognizes the need to strengthen
9 
the capability of government personnel tasked to monitor volcanic and seismological
10 
activities and other related services and information to the public. Towards this end,
11 
the State shall undertake the modernization of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology
12 
and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to improve its technological operational capacity,
13 
strengthen its role as the premier national volcano and earthquake monitoring
14 
agency and to attain its vision as a center of excellence for related information
15 
services.


1 
Sec. 3. Objectives. - Pursuant to the foregoing policy, the PHIVOLCS
2 
Modernization Program shall be implemented in accordance with the following
3 
objectives:
4 
a) To upgrade physical resources and operational techniques through
5 
acquisition and development of state-of-the-art instruments, equipment,
6 
facilities and systems to enhance current capabilities in providing useful,
7 
timely, accurate and reliable volcanic and seismological data and localized
8 
warning and information services for use in decision-making in disaster
9 
preparedness, climate change adaptation, water resources management,
10 
agriculture and food security, transportation safety, public health, tourism
11 
and other sectors;
12 
b) To enhance research and development capabilities by adopting a
13 
rationalized and integrated approach with focus on the improvement of
14 
basic operations and specialized services;
15 
c) To integrate disaster risk reduction and management in the sustainable
16 
socioeconomic development planning at the national and local levels In
17 
coordination with appropriate government agencies and other entities;
18 
d) To strengthen linkages and cooperation at the national level among the
19 
various providers and users of geological, seismological and other related
20 
Information, products and 
services as well 
as 
to provide for 
the
21 
appropriate mechanisms for this purpose;
22 
e) To establish and enhance volcanic and seismological activity monitoring
23 
service centers in strategic areas in the country to broaden the agency
24 
base for the delivery of service in the countryside;
25 
f) To strengthen a technology-based data center consistent with
26 
international standards to make information available to those involved,
27 
whether from the government or private sector in Disaster Risk Reduction
28 
and Management Plans, among others;
29 
g) To enhance public information, education and advocacy on geological
30 
activities, as well as their impacts, risks and vulnerability;


1 
h) To facilitate the appropriate appreciation and delivery of information,
2 
products and services to decision makers, mass media, other users and
3 
the general public; and,
4 
i) To provide a more competitive base pay and other benefits for its
5 
personnel in order to promote professionalism and commitment to the
6 
service.
7 
Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. - The following terms are defined as follows:
8 
a) Seismoiogy\s the scientific study of the sudden, violent movements of the
9 
earth connected with earthquakes;
10 
b) Tsunami is a series of large waves of extremely long wavelength and
11 
period usually generated by a violent, impulsive undersea disturbance or
12 
activity near the coast or in the ocean;
13 
c) Voicanoiogy is the study of volcanoes, lava, magma, ash or tephra fall
14 
and related geological, geophysical and geochemical phenomena.
15 
Sec. 5. Mandate. -The PHIVOLCS is mandated to:
16 
a) Predict and monitor the occurrence of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes,
17 
and their related geotectonic phenomena;
18 
b) Determine how volcanic eruptions and earthquakes shall occur and areas
19 
likely to be affected;
20 
c) Mitigate hazards of volcanic activities through appropriate and scientific
21 
detection, forecast and warning system;
22 
d) Provide appropriate volcano, earthquake and tsunami products and
23 
services for disaster preparedness; and,
24 
e) Provide timely, quality and socially-inclusive information and services for
25 
warning, disaster preparedness and mitigation.
26 
Sec. 6. Organizational Structure. - The PHIVOLCS shall be an attached
27 
agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for purposes of policy
28 
and program coordination, to ensure alignment in national science and technology
29 
policies and priorities.
30 
It shall be headed by an Executive Director V with the rank and compensation
31 
of a Department Undersecretary who shall be appointed by the President upon
32 
recommendation by the Secretary of the DOST.


1 
The Executive Director V shall be assisted by three (3) Deputy Executive
2 
Director V for Operations Services; Research and Development and S&T Services;
3 
and Administration, Finance and General Services, all with the rank and
4 
compensation of a Department Assistant Secretary to be appointed by the President.
5 
Sec. 7. Qualifications. - No person shall be appointed as Executive Director V
6 
unless that person is a natural-born citizen and a resident of the Philippines, of good
7 
moral character, has an advanced degree in geology, geodetic engineering,
8 
volcanology, physics, and other related fields and with at least five (5) years of
9 
competence and expertise in volcanology, geophysics, and/or allied sciences.
10 
Provided, That the Executive Director V and the three (3) Deputy Executive Director
11 
V shall be career executive officers.
12 
Sec. 8. Components of Modernization. - The PHIVOLCS modernization shall
13 
have the following components:
14 
a) Upgrading and Maintenance of Physical Resources and Operational
15 
Techniques. - This shall entail the acquisition and/or upgrade of state-of-the-
16 
art instruments, equipment, facilities, systems, and operational techniques,
17 
with emphasis on volcano, earthquake and tsunami monitoring and warning
18 
system: Provided, That prior to such acquisition and/or upgrade, an inventory
19 
of existing government and private, volcanic and seismological instruments
20 
nationwide shall be undertaken: Provided, further. That the acquisition of new
21 
instruments, equipment and systems shall be harmonized with the phase-out
22 
of uneconomical, irreparable, unserviceable and obsolete instruments,
23 
equipment and systems in the PHIVOLCS inventory.
24 
b) Sustained development of volcano monitoring network infrastructure for all
25 
active volcanoes of the Philippines that will ensure early warning of volcanic
26 
activity, even at volcanoes of long dormancy.
27 
c) Sustainable development of continually evolving technologies on early-
28 
warning systems will help the national government keep abreast with the
29 
latest in S&T while maximizing its investment In public safety amidst
30 
technology shifts and changes. From state-of-the-art systems to customized
31 
off-the-shelf instruments interfaced by the Internet-of-Things, such
32 
technologies shall provide quality scientific data while instilling a culture of


1 
dynamic technical learning, vital to long-term organizational growth and
2 
performance.
3 
d) Earthquake Monitoring and Information System Development. - Establish,
4 
operate and maintain an advanced infrastructure for earthquake and tsunami
5 
monitoring throughout the Philippines that operates with high performance
6 
standards, gathers critical technical data, and effectively provides information
7 
products and services to meet the needs of the Philippine government and
8 
the general public.
9 
e) Reliable Monitoring. - Continuously monitor earthquakes and other seismic
10 
disturbances throughout the Philippines, including earthquakes that may
11 
cause a tsunami or precede a volcanic eruption, with special focus on regions
12 
of moderate- to high-hazard and 
risk.
13 
f) Long-term Protection and Conservation of Built Environment. - Thoroughly
14 
measure strong earthquake shaking at ground sites and in buildings and
15 
critical and heritage structures. Focus should be in urban areas and near
16 
major active fault zones to gather greatly needed data and information for
17 
reducing earthquake impacts on buildings and structures.
18 
g) Development of Forecasting Capability for Impending Large Earthquakes/
19 
Tsunami Events. - Develop machine learned capability to determine
20 
earthquake parameters and the resulting information will automatically be
21 
disseminated to mobile phones and social media accounts whenever a
22 
significant earthquake occurs, for immediate assessment of impacts. In areas
23 
and sites at a distance from the epicenter, an early warning will be
24 
broadcasted seconds before strong shaking arrives. The program shall also
25 
provide similar capabilities for automated warning and alert for tsunamis.
26 
h) Establishment of permanent PHIVOLCS building including land acquisition to
27 
house the Data Receiving/Operation Centers for real-time volcano,
28 
earthquake and tsunami monitoring. - This shall ensure stability and
29 
protection of government investments on scientific, technical equipment and
30 
research laboratories.
31 
i) Enhancement of Research and Development Capability. - This shall involve
32 
the enhancement of research and development capability through a more


1 
rationalized and integrated approach with established earthquake and volcano
2 
research laboratories, focusing on improvement of operations, as well as the
3 
strengthening of specialized services with cost recovery measures;
4 
j) Enhancement of Public Information and Linkages with Local Government
5 
Units (LGUs) and other stakeholders. - This shall include continuous sharing
6 
of information to LGUs and other stakeholders that help in the disaster risk
7 
planning, assessment, preparation, response, disaster mitigation, recovery
8 
and rehabilitation, among others.
9 
k) Enhancement of Volcanic and Earthquake Data and Information
10 
Dissemination Services. - This shall involve the development and use of
11 
communication strategy for ensuring the use of plain and local language,
12 
including regional dialects, nontechnical terms and familiar graphical
13 
presentations, in combination with science-based information that will ensure
14 
the delivery of accurate, up-to-date and timely earthquake, tsunami, and
15 
volcano-related information to create greater public awareness and draw
16 
appropriate response for disaster risk reduction: Provided, That PHIVOLCS
17 
shall partner with the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), various Sentro ng
18 
Wika at Kultura (SWK), Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), and other
19 
rights-based organizations for the development and enhancement of socially-
20 
inclusive products. PHIVOLCS shall collaborate with both public and private
21 
organizations to effectively disseminate data, products and services.
22 
I) Strengthening of the Human Resource Development Program (HRDP). - The
23 
HRDP of PHIVOLCS will continue to be aligned with the strategic goals of the
24 
Institute. This shall ensure that personnel are provided equal opportunities for
25 
self-improvement to be competent, motivated to work and rewarded.
26 
Complementation and capacity-building of a wide-range of experts in
27 
volcanology and seismology and to efficiently develop, operate and maintain
28 
advanced monitoring systems and distill accurate volcano, earthquake and
29 
tsunami information for public guidance. Support to continued professional
30 
learning will further ensure skills development and motivation that will
31 
translate to better S&T services.


1 
Sec. 9. Collaboration or linkages with Local Government Units (LGUs). - With
2 
this institutional modernization of PHIVOLCS, the roles of the local government will
3 
also be enhanced to cover the following areas:
4 
a) Public Intermediary. The local government, together with national & local
5 
news media and the emergency management community, shall frequently act
6 
as intermediaries between PHIVOLCS and its complex target audience
7 
including the general public, institutional decision makers, and emergency
8 
responders, especially in crafting plans attuned to the needs of its
9 
constituents to increase public resilience to earthquakes, tsunami and volcanic
10 
eruptions, to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to human iife and property,
11 
and shorten recovery periods based on risk assessments.
12 
b) Information Dissemination. It is critically important for PHIVOLCS to work
13 
closely with the national and local disaster agencies to craft appropriate
14 
information messages, to regularly test and evaluate their dissemination
15 
communication channels, and to identify gaps and dissemination problems, so
16 
that the messages reach the intended users at the appropriate time.
17 
c) Awareness and Promotion. Outreach and communication with the public is
18 
crucial to their understanding and awareness of the nature of the geotectonic
19 
hazards, the risks to personal safety and property, and the steps to reduce
20 
those risks including the deployment of sustainable, reliable and effective
21 
monitoring and warning systems. With this, the local government Is expected
22 
to promote in local and international recognition programs, its own interfaces
23 
with the enhanced PHIVOLCS system with its increased coverage and explore
24 
avenues to enjoy its full benefits.
25 
d) Technical Review. The local government shall contribute in the review of
26 
local research, exchange information and coordinate local projects during
27 
regular meetings to ensure readiness to disasters, such that appropriate
28 
guidelines are consistently crafted and refined, and that local support
29 
infrastructure to the enhanced systems are adequately funded and utilized.
30 
Sec. 10. Components of the HRDP. - This component shall include the
31 
following:


1 
a) New Salary Scale for PHIVOLCS Personnel. - The Department of Budget and
2 
Management (DBM) shall develop a new salary scale for PHIVOLCS personnel
3 
in consonance with Republic Act No. 8439, as amended, otherwise known as
4 
the "Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other Science
5 
and Technology Personnel in Government" with a corresponding increase in
6 
the base pay, allowances and other benefits;
7 
b) PHIVOLCS Personnel Retention Incentive. - An additional incentive to be
8 
known as the "Personnel Retention Incentive" shall be provided to qualified
9 
PHIVOLCS personnel, to be determined by PHIVOLCS in consultation with
10 
DBM, in an amount not exceeding twenty percent (20%) of the monthly basic
11 
salary subject to the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) which shall be
12 
hereinafter formulated;
13 
c) Scholarship Program. - Not later than three (3) years from the enactment of
14 
this Act, scholarships shall be provided for undergraduate and graduate
15 
studies in volcano- and seismology-related fields, as well as for specialized
16 
training programs, in coordination with the DOST, Commission on Higher
17 
Education (CHED) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Cooperation on
18 
human resources upgrading and capability enhancement with regional and
19 
international organizations shall also be undertaken; and,
20 
d) Development of Regional and International Cooperation Program. - This shall
21 
entail the development of appropriate collaborative arrangements with
22 
relevant regional and international bodies and government institutions to
23 
complement the national effort for modernization.
24 
Sec. 11. Disaster Preparedness, Public Information and Dissemination
25 
Services. - The institutional modernization of PHIVOLCS shall enhance public
26 
information, education and advocacy on earthquake, tsunami and volcano hazards
27 
and risks. To facilitate the appropriate appreciation and delivery of science-based
28 
information to target stakeholders for proper response actions before and during the
29 
occurrence of these hazards, there shall be provision for:
30 
a) Fully-equipped and well-staffed learning/training center that will serve as a
31 
platform for planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating capacity
32 
development programs for various stakeholders regarding mitigation 
and


1 
preparedness for volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunami-related
2 
hazards.
3 
b) A 
knowledge management system (composed of people, process,
4 
infrastructure, and strategy) that will ensure that researches are attuned to
5 
the public's needs and that research and development outputs are translated
6 
into culturally-relevant, gender-responsive, and disability-inclusive capacity
7 
development programs, and warning and risk information products and
8 
services for key stakeholders and the public.
9 
c) A 
multi-channel and multi-directional communication strategy 
and
10 
standardized procedures that shall ensure access to and effective
11 
dissemination of useful information on volcano, earthquake and tsunami
12 
disaster preparedness, risk reduction, 
and emergency response to intended
13 
stakeholders and the public.
14 
Sec. 12. Formulation and Submission of the PHIVOLCS Modernization
15 
Program. - The Executive Director of the PHIVOLCS, in coordination with the
16 
Secretary of the DBM and the Director-General of the National Economic and
17 
Development Authority (NEDA), shall formulate the PHIVOLCS Modernization
18 
Program and oversee its implementation based on the policy objectives provided in
19 
this Act.
20 
The PHIVOLCS Modernization Program shall indicate among others:
21 
a) PHIVOLCS requirements in terms of personnel, equipment and facilities
22 
during the various stages of modernization;
23 
b) The modernization projects, which shall indicate the equipment and
24 
technology acquisitions, including major construction or upgrade of facility
25 
and the particular objective and component to which such intended
26 
acquisition, construction and upgrading belongs to; and,
27 
c) The priorities, schedules and estimated cost of each modernization
28 
project.
29 
Sec. 13. Period of Implementation. - The modernization program under this
30 
Act shall be implemented for an initial period of three (3) years: Provided, That
31 
payments for multi-year contract obligations incurred under this Act may extend
32 
beyond this period: Provided, further, That PHIVOLCS shall continue to modernize


1 
and constantly update its operational capabilities to keep pace with best
2 
international practices.
3 
Sec. 14. PHIVOLCS Modernization Fund. - There is hereby created the
4 
PHIVOLCS Modernization Fund to be used exclusively for the PHIVOLCS
5 
Modernization Program, which shall be sourced from the following:
6 
a) The amount of Five billion pesos (P5,000,000,000.00) to be taken from the
7 
share of the National Government in the gross income of the Bases
8 
Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). For two (2) years after the
9 
effectivity of this Act, an amount of Two billion five hundred million pesos
10 
(P2,500,000,000.00) per year shall be released to the PHIVOLCS. The entire
11 
amount of Five billion pesos (P5,000,000,000.00), including any interest
12 
income thereon, shall be used exclusively for capital outlay.
13 
b) Loans, grants, bequests, and donations whether from local or foreign sources.
14 
The Secretary of the DOST with the approval of the NEDA and subsequently
15 
the Department of Finance (DOF) is hereby granted the authority to enter
16 
into loan agreements with foreign financial institutions.
17 
The PHIVOLCS Modernization Fund shall be administered by the Executive
18 
Director of the PHIVOLCS in accordance with existing government budgeting,
19 
accounting and auditing rules and regulations.
20 
Sec. 15. Annuai Report. - The Executive Director of the PHIVOLCS shall
21 
prepare an annual report on the status of the implementation of the PHIVOLCS
22 
Modernization Program which shall be submitted through the DOST Secretary, to the
23 
President and to the Chairpersons of the Committee on Science and Technology of
24 
the Senate and the House of Representatives not later than June 30 of the
25 
succeeding year.
26 
Sec. 16. Tax Exemptions. - Donations, grants, gifts, endowments, legacies,
27 
and contributions used actually, directly and exclusively for the purpose for
28 
PHIVOLCS shall be exempt from donor's tax and the same shall be considered as
29 
allowable deduction from gross income for purposes of computing the taxable
30 
income of the donor, in accordance with Sec. 34 (H)(2)(a) of the National Internal
31 
Revenue Code of 1997, as amended. Likewise, such other transfers of ownership
10


1 
and/or possession of real or personal properties of all kinds shall be exempt from all
2 
taxes.
3 
Sec. 17. Procurement of Scientific and Technicai Materials, Equipment, and
4 
Services. - The PHIVOLCS shall undertake the procurement of scientific and
5 
technical materials, equipment, and services in its operation and administration, in
6 
the most expeditious manner, and adopt the most suitable or appropriate method of
7 
procurement that it deems fit based on its identified needs and requirements
8 
depending on the existing conditions and requirements that justify the use of a
9 
particular alternative modality provided for by Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise
10 
known as the "Government Procurement Reform Act" and its Implementing Rules
11 
and Regulations (IRR).
12 
Sec. 18. Exemption from Import Duties, Taxes and Restrictions. - Importation
13 
and consignments of equipment shall benefit from:
14 
a) Exemption from all duties and taxes;
15 
b) Waiver of economic prohibitions and restrictions except for categories of
16 
special goods and equipment that may be indicated by the PHIVOLCS;
17 
c) Clearance without regards to the country of origin or the country from
18 
which the goods have arrived, subject to monitoring for reasons of public
19 
health and security; and,
20 
d) Immediate release of urgent, necessary monitoring equipment when
21 
there is an ongoing volcanic eruption.
22 
Sec. 19. Simplification of Documentation Requirements. - The requirements
23 
for the declaration for all imports of equipment by or on behalf of international
24 
collaborative research partners and any supporting documents relating to it, release
25 
and clearance shall be simplified and lodged without fee.
26 
Sec. 20. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the
27 
implementation of this Act shall be initially charged against the current fiscal year
28 
appropriations of the DOST - PHIVOLCS. Thereafter, the amount needed for the
29 
continued implementation of the modernization program, shall be included in the
30 
annual General Appropriations Act.
11


1 
Sec. 21. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). - Within ninety (90) days
2 
from the effectivity of this Act, the PHIVOLCS shall issue the IRR for the effective
3 
implementation of this Act in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
4 
Sec. 22. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared invalid
5 
or unconstitutional, the remaining provision not affected thereby shall continue to be
6 
In full force and effect.
7 
Sec. 23. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders or regulations or part
8 
thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
9 
Sec. 24. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following the
10 
completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of
11 
general circulation.
Approved,
12