NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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First Regular Session 
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.Senate
o( tijp etarp
23 MAY-9 A10 36
SENATE
Introduced by SENATOR RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR.
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 Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) is a service 
institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) that is mandated to 
provide warning, disaster preparedness, and mitigation of events arising from volcanic 
eruptions, earthquakes, tsunami and other related geotectonic phenomena.
The measure aims to upgrade the agency's capability to provide timely, reliable 
and quality information and service by upgrading their existing equipment, facilities, 
and system and providing better incentives for their personnel and creating additional 
piantiHa items to expand its pool of experts. The enhancement of human resources 
Includes the creation of a new salary scale, a retention Incentive, and an enhanced 
development program.
PHIVOLCS reported that there are 24 active volcanoes in the country, however 
only 10 are being monitored. Of the 10 monitored, only two are equipped with the 
recommended instruments. By enhancing their technical capabilities, the institute will 
be able to produce more accurate selsmological data and improve localized warning 
and information services to have better decision-making during disaster preparedness.
The measure is an Initiative "to bridge the gap between the resources allocated 
to the agency and the hazard generators that need to be monitored."


This measure has been endorsed by the Department of Science and Technology 
and PHIVOLCS as part of their Legislative Agenda.
In view of enhancing the technological operational capacity of PHIVOLCS, the 
immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
lOw BONG
RAMO^ BONG REVILLA, JR.


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBUC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
te;:| mnm
of tije
23 may -9 AlO 36
SENATE
Introduced by SENATOR RAMON BONO REVILLA, JR.
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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:
Section 1. Short Tide, - This Act shall be the XiPHIVOLCS Modernization Act of
2023"
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It has been the policy of the State to utilize 
scientific and technical knowledge and Information as an effective instrument to 
ensure the safety, well-being and economic security of the people; to safeguard the 
environment; and to promote national progress and sustainable socioeconomic 
development through various applications of geology, geophysics, geodetic 
engineering and allied sciences. The State also recognizes the need to strengthen the 
capability of government personnel tasked to monitor volcanic and seismological 
activities and other related services and Information to the public. Towards this end, 
the State shall undertake the modernization of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology 
and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to improve its technological operational capacity, 
strengthen its role as the premier national volcano and earthquake monitoring agency 
and to attain Its vision as a center of excellence for related Information services.
Sec. 3. Objectives. - Pursuant to the foregoing policy, the PHIVOLCS 
Modernization Program shall be Implemented in accordance with the following 
objectives:


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a. To upgrade physical resources and operational techniques through acquisition
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and development of state-of-the-art Instruments, equipment, facilities and
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systems to enhance current capabilities in providing useful, timely, accurate
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and reliable volcanic and seismological data and localized warning and
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information services for use in decision-making in disaster preparedness,
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climate change adaptation, water resources management, agriculture,
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transportation, health, tourism and other sectors;
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b. To enhance research and development capabilities by adopting a rationalized
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and Integrated approach with focus on the improvement of basic operations
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and specialized services;
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c. To integrate disaster risk reduction and management in the sustainable
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socioeconomic development planning at the national and local levels in
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coordination with appropriate government agencies and other entities;
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d. To strengthen linkages and cooperation at the national level among the various
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providers and users of geological, seismological and other services as well as
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to provide for the appropriate mechanisms for this purpose;
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e. To establish and enhance volcanic and seismological activity monitoring service
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centers In strategic areas In the country to broaden the agency base for the
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delivery of service In the countryside;
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f. To strengthen a technology-based data center consistent with international
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standards to make information available to those involved, whether from the
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government or private sector in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
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Plans, among others;
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g. To enhance public information, education and advocacy on geological activities,
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as well as their impacts, risks and vulnerability;
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h. To facilitate the appropriate appreciation and delivery of information, products
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and services to decision makers, media, other users and the general public;
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and
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i. To provide a more competitive base pay and other benefits for its personnel in
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order to promote professionalism and commitment to the service.
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Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. - the following terms are defined as follows:


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a. Seismology' refers to the scientific study of the sudden, violent movements of
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the earth connected with earthquakes
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b. " Tsunami' refers to a series of large waves of extremely long wavelength and
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period usually generated by a violent, Impulsive undersea disturbance or
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activity near the coast or In the ocean.
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c. " Volcanology refers to the study of volcanoes, lava, magma, ash or tephra fall
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and related geological, geophysical and geochemical phenomena.
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Sec. 5. Mandate. - The PHIVOLCS is mandated to:
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a. Predict the occurrence of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, and their related
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geotectonic phenomena;
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b. Determine how volcanic eruptions and earthquakes shall occur and areas likely
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to be affected;
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c. Mitigate hazards of volcanic activities through appropriate detection, forecast
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and warning system; and
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d. Provide appropriate volcano, earthquake and tsunami products and services for
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disaster preparedness.
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PHIVOLCS shall provide timely, quality and soclally-Inclusive Information and
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services for warning, disaster preparedness and mitigation.
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Sec. 6. Organizational Structure. - The PHIVOLCS shall be an attached agency
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of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for purposes of policy and
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program coordination, to ensure alignment in national science and technology policies
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and priorities.
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It shall be headed by an Executive Director V with the rank and compensation
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of a Department Undersecretary who shall be appointed by the President upon
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recommendation by the Secretary of the DOST.
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The Executive Director V shall be assisted by three (3) Deputy Executive
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Director V for Operations Services; Research and Development and Science and
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Technology (S&T) Services; and Administration, Finance and General Services, all with
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the rank and compensation of a Department Assistant Secretary to be appointed by
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the President.
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Sec. 7. Qualifications. - No person shall be appointed as Executive Director V
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unless that person is a natural-born citizen and a resident of the Philippines, of good


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moral character, has an advanced degree in geology, geodetic engineering,
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volcanology, physics, and other related fields and with at least five (5) years of
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competence and expertise in volcanology, geophysics, and or allied sciences. Provided,
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That the Executive Director V and the three (3) Deputy Executive Director V shall be
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career executive officers.
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Sec. 8. Components of Modernization. - The PHIVOLCS modernization shall
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have the following components:
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a. Upgrading and Maintenance of Physical Resources and Operational Techniques.
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- This shall entail the acquisition and/or upgrade of state-of-the-art
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instruments, equipment, facilities, systems, and operational techniques, with
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emphasis on volcano, earthquake and tsunami monitoring and warning system:
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Provided, That prior to such acquisition and/or upgrade, an Inventory of existing
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government and private, volcanic and seismological Instruments nationwide
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shall be undertaken: Provided, further. That the acquisition of new instruments,
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equipment and systems shall be harmonized with the phase-out of
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uneconomical and obsolete Instruments, equipment and systems In the
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PHIVOLCS inventory;
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b. Sustained adoption and development of Volcano Monitoring network
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infrastructure for ail active volcanoes of the Philippines that will ensure early-
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warning of volcanic activity even at volcanoes of long dormancy;
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c. Sustainable development of continually evolving technologies for eruption
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early-warning. - This will help the national government keep abreast with the
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latest in S&T while maximizing its Investment in public safety amidst technology
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shifts and changes. From state-of-the-art systems to customized off-the-shelf
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instruments interfaced by the internet-of-things, such technologies provide
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quality scientific data while Instilling a culture of dynamic technical learning,
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vital to long-term organizational growth and performance;
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d. Earthquake Monitoring and Information System Development. - Establish,
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operate and maintain an advanced infrastructure for earthquake and tsunami
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monitoring throughout the Philippines that operates with high performance
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standards, gathers critical technical data, and effectively provides information


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products and services to meet the needs of the Philippine government and the
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public;
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e. Reliable Monitoring. - Continuously monitor earthquakes and other seismic
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disturbances throughout the Philippines, including earthquakes that may cause
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a tsunami or precede a volcanic eruption, with special focus on regions of
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moderate to high hazard and risk;
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f. Long-term Protection and Conservation of the Built Environment. - Thoroughly
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measure strong earthquake shaking at ground sites and in buildings and critical
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structures. Focus should be In urban areas and near major active fault zones
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to gather greatly needed data and Information for reducing earthquake Impacts
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on buildings and structures;
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g. Development of Forecasting Capability for Impending Large Earthquakes and
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Tsunami Events. - Develop machine learning capability to determine
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earthquake parameters and the resulting information will automatically be
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broadcast to mobile phones and social media accounts whenever a significant
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earthquake occurs, for immediate assessment of impacts. In areas feasible, for
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sites at a distance from the epicenter, an early warning will be broadcasted
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seconds before strong 
shaking arrives. Provide similar 
capabilities 
for
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automated warning and alert for tsunamis;
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h. Establishment of permanent PFIIVOLCS building. - This includes land acquisition
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to house the Data Receiving or Operation Centers for real-time volcano,
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earthquake and tsunami monitoring. This shall ensure stability and protection
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of government investments on scientific, technical equipment and research
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laboratories;
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i. Enhancement of Research and Development Capability. - This shall Involve the
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enhancement of research and development capability through a more
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rationalized and totally integrated approach with established earthquake and
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volcano research laboratories, focusing on improvement of operations, as well
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as the strengthening of specialized services with cost recovery measures;
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j. Enhancement of Public Information and Linkages with Local Government Units
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(LGUs) and other stakeholders. - This shall Include continuous sharing of


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information to LGUs and other stakeholders that help in the disaster planning,
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preparation, disaster mitigation, among others;
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k. Enhancement of Volcanic and Earthquake Data and Information Dissemination
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Services. - This shall involve the development and use of communication
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strategy for ensuring the use of plain and local language, nontechnical terms
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and familiar graphical presentations, In combination with science-based
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information that will ensure the delivery of accurate, up-to-date and timely
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earthquake, tsunami, and volcano-related information to create greater public
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awareness and draw appropriate response for disaster risk reduction: Provided,
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That PHIVOLCS shall partner with the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF),
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various Sentro ng Wika at Kultura, Philippine Commission on Women, and other
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rights-based organizations for the development or enhancement of socially-
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inclusive products. PHIVOLCS shall collaborate with both public and private
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organizations to effectively disseminate data and products; and,
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I. Strengthening of the Human Resource Development Program (HRDP). - The
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HRDP of PHIVOLCS will continue to be aligned with the strategic goals of the
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Institute. This shall ensure that personnel are provided equal opportunities for
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self-improvement to be competent, motivated to work and rewarded.
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Complementation and capacity-building of a wide-range of experts in
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volcanology and seismology. - This is to efficiently develop, operate and
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maintain advanced monitoring systems and distill accurate volcano, earthquake
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and tsunami information for public guidance. And support to continued
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professional learning will further ensure skills development and motivation that
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will translate to better S&T services.
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Sec. 9. Whole-of-Government Approach. - This Act shall be implemented using
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a whole-of-government approach to ensure proper coordination of various
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aspects In disaster resilience risk mitigation, and response across all areas of
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government; namely local governance, education, communication, science and
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technology.
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Sec. 9. Collaboration or Linkages with Local Government Units (LGUs). - With
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this institutional modernization of PHIVOLCS, the roles of the local government will
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also be enhanced to cover the following areas:
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a. Public Intermediary. The local government, together with national & local news
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media and the emergency management community, shall frequently act as
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Intermediaries between PHIVOLCS and Its complex target audience including
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the general public, institutional decision makers, and emergency responders,
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especially In crafting plans attuned to the local needs of its constituents to
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increase public resilience to earthquakes, tsunami and volcanic eruptions, to
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reduce or eliminate long-term risk to human life and property and shorten
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recovery periods based on risk assessments.
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b. Information Dissemination. It Is critically Important for PHIVOLCS to work
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closely with the national and local disaster agencies to aaft appropriate
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Information messages, to regularly test and evaluate their dissemination
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communication channels, and to identify gaps and dissemination problems, so
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that the tsunami messages reach the intended users when an event occurs.
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c. Awareness and Promotion. Outreach and communication with the public is
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crucial to their understanding and awareness of the nature of the geotectonic
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hazards, the risks to personal safety and property, and the steps to reduce
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those risks Including the deployment of sustainable, reliable and effective
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monitoring and warning systems. With this, the local government is expected
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to promote local and international recognition programs, its own interfaces with
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the enhanced PHIVOLCS system with its Increased coverage and explore
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avenues to enjoy Its full benefits.
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d. Technical Review. The local government shall contribute in the review of local
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research, exchange information and coordinate local projects during regular
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local meetings to ensure readiness to disasters, that appropriate guidelines are
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consistently crafted and that local support Infrastructure to the enhanced
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systems are funded;
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Sec. 10. Components of the Human Resource Development Program (HRDP).
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- This component shall Include the following:


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


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preparedness for volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunami-related
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hazards;
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b. A knowledge management system (composed of people, process,
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infrastructure, and strategy) that will ensure that researches are attuned to the
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public's needs and that research and development outputs are translated into
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culturally-relevant, gender-responsive, and disability-inclusive capacity
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development programs, and warning and risk information products and services
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for key stakeholders and the public; and
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c. A multi-channel and multi-directional communication strategy and standardized
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procedures that shall ensure access to and effective dissemination of useful
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information on volcano, earthquake and tsunami disaster preparedness, risk
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reduction, and emergency response to intended stakeholders and the public.
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Sec. 12. Formulation and Submission of the PHIVOLCS Modernization Program.
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- The Executive Director of the PHIVOLCS in coordination with the Secretary of the
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DBM and the Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority
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(NEDA), shall formulate the PHIVOLCS Modernization Program and oversee its
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Implementation based on the policy objectives provided in this Act.
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The PHIVOLCS Modernization Program shall indicate among others:
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a. PHIVOLCS requirements in terms of personnel, equipment and facilities during
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the various stages of modernization;
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b. The modernization projects, which shall indicate the equipment and technology
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acquisitions, including major construction or upgrade of facility and the
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particular objective and component to which such intended acquisition,
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construction and upgrading belongs to; and
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c. The priorities, schedules and estimated cost of each modernization project.
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The PHIVOLCS Modernization Fund shall be administered by the Executive
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Director of the PHIVOLCS in accordance with existing government budgeting,
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accounting and auditing rules and regulations.
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Sec. 13. Period of Implementation. - The modernization program under this Act
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shall be implemented for an Initial period of three (3) years: Provided, that payments
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for multi-year contract obligations incurred under this Act may extend beyond this


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period. Provided, further, that PHIVOLCS shall continue to modernize and constantly
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update its operational capabilities to keep pace with best international practices.
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Sec. 14. PHIVOLCS Modernization Fund. - There is hereby created the
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PHIVOLCS Modernization Fund to be used exclusively for the PHIVOLCS Modernization
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Program, which shall be sourced from the following:
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a. The amount of five billion pesos (P5,000,000,000.00) to be taken from the
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share of the National Government in the gross income of the Bases Conversion
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and Development Authority (BCDA). For two (2) years after the effectivity of
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this Act, an amount of two billion five hundred million pesos
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(P2,500,000,000.00) per year shall be released to the PHIVOLCS. The entire
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amount of five billion pesos (P5,000,000,000.00), including any interest income
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thereon, shall be used exclusively for capital outlay.
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b. Loans, grants, bequests, and donations whether from local or foreign sources.
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The Secretary of the DOST with the approval of the NEDA and subsequently
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the Department of Finance (DOF) is hereby granted the authority to enter into
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loan agreements with foreign financial institutions.
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The PHIVOLCS Modernization Fund shall be administered by the Executive
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Director of the PHIVOLCS In accordance with existing government budgeting,
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accounting and auditing rules and regulations.
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Sec. 15. AnnuaiReport. - The Executive Director of the PHIVOLCS shall prepare
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an annual report on the status of the implementation of the PHIVOLCS Modernization
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Program which shall be submitted through the DOST Secretary, to the President and
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to the Chairpersons of the Committee on Science and Technology of the Senate and
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the House of Representatives not later than June 30 of the succeeding year.
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Sec. 16. Tax Exemptions. - Donations, grants, gifts, endowments, legacies, and
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contributions used actually, directly and exclusively for the purpose for PHIVOLCS shall
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be exempt from donor's tax and the same shall be considered as allowable deduction
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from gross income for purposes of computing the taxable income of the donor, in
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accordance with Section 34 (H)(2)(a) of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997,
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as amended. Likewise, such other transfers of ownership and/or possession of real or
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personal properties of all kinds shall be exempt from all taxes.
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Sec. 17. Procurement of Scientific and Technicai Materiais, Equipment, and
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Services. - The PHIVOLCS shall undertake the procurement of scientific and technical
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materials, equipment, and services in its operation and administration. In the most
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expeditious manner, and adopt the most suitable or appropriate method of
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procurement that It deems fit based on Its identified needs and requirements
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depending on the existing conditions and requirements that justify the use of a
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particular alternative modality provided for by Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known
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as the "Government Procurement Reform Act and its Implementing Rules and
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Regulations (IRR).
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Sec. 18. Exemption from Import Duties, Taxes and Restrictions. - Importation
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and consignments of equipment shall benefit from:
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a. Exemption from all duties and taxes;
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b. Waiver of economic prohibitions and restrictions except for categories of special
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goods and equipment that may be indicated by the PHIVOLCS;
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c. Clearance without regards to the country of origin or the country from which
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the goods have arrived, subject to monitoring for reasons of public health and
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security and
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d. Immediate release of urgent, necessary monitoring equipment when there is
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an ongoing volcanic eruption.
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Sec. 19. Simplification of Documentation Requirements -
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a. Consignments of equipment sent by international collaborative research
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partners shall be cleared or released on the basis of a simplified equipment
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declaration providing the minimum information necessary for the Bureau of
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Customs to identify the equipment and object, when deemed necessary, to
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completion of a more complete declaration within a specified period.
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b. The requirements for the declaration for ail imports of equipment by or on
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behalf of international collaborative research partners and any supporting
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documents relating to it, release and clearance shall be simplified and lodged
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without fee.
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Sec. 19. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the
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implementation of this Act shall be initially charged against the current fiscal year
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appropriations of the DOST - PHIVOLCS. Thereafter, the amount needed for the
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continued implementation of the modernization program, shall be included in the
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annual General Appropriations Act.
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Sec. 20. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) - Within ninety (90) days
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from the effectivity of this Act, the PHIVOLCS shall issue the IRR for the effective
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implementation of this Act In consultation with relevant stakeholders.
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Sec. 21. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is declared
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Invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby
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shall continue to be in full force and effect.
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Sec. 22. Repealing Clause. - All laws, orders, proclamations, rules and
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regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
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hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
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Sec. 23. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
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publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in
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the Philippines.
Approved,
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