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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _________ 
Introduced by 
SPEAKER FERDINAND MARTIN G. ROMUALDEZ
HON. YEDDA MARIE K. ROMUALDEZ 
HON. JUDE A. ACIDRE 
HON. MANUEL JOSE M. DALIPE 
and 
HON. FERDINAND ALEXANDER A. MARCOS 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE MODERNIZATION OF THE PHILIPPINE INSTITUTE 
OF VOLCANOLOGY AND SEISMOLOGY (PHIVOLCS), PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to modernize the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and 
Seismology (PHIVOLCS) in order to maximize and improve the Institute’s 
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.  
The Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which makes it vulnerable 
to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. It hosts twenty-four (24) active 
volcanoes, twenty-seven (27) potentially active volcanoes, and numerous 
active faults and trenches capable of producing large magnitude earthquakes 
that can result in disasters and disrupt life in communities. Out of the 24 active 
volcanoes in the Philippines, only ten (10) are currently being monitored; and 
out of the ten (10) monitored volcanoes, only two (2) are instrumented with all 
required station types. 
On the other hand, at least 60% of the country’s total land area is 
exposed to multiple hazards, and 74% of the population is susceptible to their 
impact. 66 out of 81 provinces in the Philippines are coastal and are therefore 
exposed to tsunami threats. The total coastal population in the Philippines 
based on the 2015 PSA data is 64.7 million, or almost 61.6% of the total 
population. 
March 1, 2023
5:37 pm
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As communities around several active volcanoes grow and project 
developments intended for human occupancy near active faults expand, there 
is a need to augment and enhance the monitoring and warning capabilities of 
PHIVOLCS.  
Thus, in view of the urgent need to reinforce our country’s capacity in 
disaster monitoring and warning agencies to act immediately on natural 
hazards and threats, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine 
Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) is mandated to 
strengthen its capacity in conducting research, mapping, and monitoring of 
hazards, among others.  
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
Speaker FERDINAND MARTIN G. 
ROMUALDEZ   
Representative
First District, Leyte
Rep. YEDDA MARIE K. ROMUALDEZ 
Representative 
Party-List, Tingog Sinirangan 
Rep. JUDE A. ACIDRE 
Representative 
Party-List, Tingog Sinirangan 
Rep. MANUEL JOSE M. DALIPE 
Representative 
Second District, Zamboanga City 
Rep. FERDINAND ALEXANDER A. 
MARCOS 
Representative 
First District, Ilocos Norte 


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _________ 
Introduced by 
SPEAKER FERDINAND MARTIN G. ROMUALDEZ
HON. YEDDA MARIE K. ROMUALDEZ 
HON. JUDE A. ACIDRE 
HON. MANUEL JOSE M. DALIPE 
and 
HON. FERDINAND ALEXANDER A. MARCOS 
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 the House of the Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
Section 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be the “PHIVOLCS Modernization 
Act.” 
Section 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 
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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. 
 
Section 3. Objectives. – Pursuant to the foregoing policy, the PHIVOLCS 
Modernization Program shall be implemented in accordance with the following 
objectives: 
 
(a) To upgrade physical resources and operational techniques through 
acquisition and development of state-of-the-art instruments, equipment, 
facilities, and systems to enhance current capabilities in providing useful, 
timely, accurate and reliable volcanic and seismological data and 
localized warning and information services for use in decision-making in 
disaster preparedness, climate change adaptation, water resources 
management, agriculture, transportation, health, tourism, and other 
sectors; 
(b) To enhance research and development capabilities by adopting a 
rationalized and integrated approach with focus on the improvement of 
basic operations and specialized services; 
(c) To integrate disaster risk reduction and management in the sustainable 
socioeconomic development planning at the national and local levels in 
coordination with appropriate government agencies and other entities; 
(d) To strengthen linkages and cooperation at the national level among the 
various providers and users of geological, seismological, and other 
services as well as to provide for the appropriate mechanisms for this 
purpose; 
(e) To establish and enhance volcanic and seismological activity monitoring 
service centers in strategic areas in the country to broaden the agency 
base for the delivery of service in the countryside; 
(f) To strengthen a technology-based data center consistent with 
international standards to make information available to those involved, 
whether from the government or private sector in Disaster Risk 
Reduction and Management Plans, among others; 


 
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(g) To enhance public information, education, and advocacy on geological 
activities, as well as their impacts, risks, and vulnerability; 
(h) To facilitate the appropriate appreciation and delivery of information, 
products and services to decision makers, media, other users, and the 
general public; and 
(i) To provide a more competitive base pay and other benefits for its 
personnel in order to promote professionalism and commitment to the 
service. 
 
Section 4. Definition of Terms. – the following terms are defined as follows: 
(1) Seismology – the scientific study of the sudden, violent movements of 
the earth connected with earthquakes 
(2) Tsunami - a series of large waves of extremely long wavelength and 
period usually generated by a violent, impulsive undersea disturbance 
or activity near the coast or in the ocean. 
(3) Volcanology – is the study of volcanoes, lava, magma, ash, or tephra fall 
and related geological, geophysical, and geochemical phenomena. 
 
Section 5. Mandate. – The PHIVOLCS is mandated to: 
(a) Predict the occurrence of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, and their 
related geotectonic phenomena, 
(b) Determine how volcanic eruptions and earthquakes shall occur and   
areas likely to be affected, 
(c) Mitigate hazards of volcanic activities through appropriate detection, 
forecast and warning system, 
(d) Provide appropriate volcano, earthquake and tsunami products and 
services for disaster preparedness,       
 
PHIVOLCS shall provide timely, quality and socially inclusive information and 
services for warning, disaster preparedness, and mitigation.                  
 
Section 6. Organizational Structure. The PHIVOLCS shall be an attached 
agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for purposes of 


 
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policy and program coordination, to ensure alignment in national science and 
technology policies and priorities.  
 
It shall be headed by an Executive Director V with the rank and compensation 
of a Department Undersecretary who shall be appointed by the President upon 
recommendation by the Secretary of the DOST. 
 
The Executive Director V shall be assisted by three (3) Deputy Executive 
Director V for Operations Services; Research and Development and S&T 
Services; and Administration, Finance and General Services, all with the rank 
and compensation of a Department Assistant Secretary to be appointed by the 
President. 
 
Section 7. Qualifications. – No person shall be appointed as Executive 
Director V unless that person is a natural-born citizen and a resident of the 
Philippines, of good moral character, has an advanced degree in geology, 
geodetic engineering, volcanology, physics, and other related fields and with at 
least five (5) years of competence and expertise in volcanology, geophysics, 
and or allied sciences. Provided, That the Executive Director V and the three 
(3) Deputy Executive Director V shall be career executive officers. 
 
Section 8. Components of Modernization. – The PHIVOLCS modernization 
shall have the following components: 
 
(a) Upgrading and Maintenance of Physical Resources and Operational 
Techniques. – This shall entail the acquisition and/or upgrade of state-
of-the-art instruments, equipment, facilities, systems, and operational 
techniques, with emphasis on volcano, earthquake and tsunami 
monitoring and warning system: Provided, that prior to such acquisition 
and/or upgrade, an inventory of existing government and private, 
volcanic and seismological instruments nationwide shall be undertaken: 
Provided, further, that the acquisition of new instruments, equipment and 
systems shall be harmonized with the phase-out of uneconomical and 


 
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obsolete instruments, equipment and systems in the PHIVOLCS 
inventory; 
(b) Sustained development of Volcano Monitoring network infrastructure for 
all active volcanoes of the Philippines that will ensure early warning of 
volcanic activity even at volcanoes of long dormancy.  
(c) Sustainable development of continually evolving technologies for 
eruption early-warning will help the national government keep abreast 
with the latest in S&T while maximizing its investment in public safety 
amidst technology shifts and changes. From state-of-the-art systems to 
customized off-the-shelf instruments interfaced by the Internet-of-
Things, such technologies provide quality scientific data while instilling a 
culture of dynamic technical learning, vital to long-term organizational 
growth and performance. 
(d) Earthquake 
Monitoring 
and 
Information 
System 
Development.  
Establish, operate, and maintain an advanced infrastructure for 
earthquake and tsunami monitoring throughout the Philippines that 
operates with high performance standards, gathers critical technical 
data, and effectively provides information products and services to meet 
the needs of the Philippine government and the public. 
(e) Reliable Monitoring. Continuously monitor earthquakes and other 
seismic disturbances throughout the Philippines, including earthquakes 
that may cause a tsunami or precede a volcanic eruption, with special 
focus on regions of moderate to high hazard and risk. 
(f) Long-term Protection/ Conservation of Built Environment. Thoroughly 
measure strong earthquake shaking at ground sites and in buildings and 
critical structures. Focus should be in urban areas and near major active 
fault zones to gather greatly needed data and information for reducing 
earthquake impacts on buildings and structures. 
(g) Development 
of 
Forecasting 
Capability 
for 
Impending 
Large 
Earthquakes/ Tsunami Events. Develop machine learned capability to 
determine earthquake parameters and the resulting information will 
automatically be broadcast to mobile phones and social media accounts 
whenever a significant earthquake occurs, for immediate assessment of 
impacts. In areas feasible, for sites at a distance from the epicenter, an 


 
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early warning will be broadcasted seconds before strong shaking 
arrives. Provide similar capabilities for automated warning and alert for 
tsunamis. 
(h) Establishment of permanent PHIVOLCS building including land 
acquisition to house the Data Receiving/ Operation Centers for real-time 
volcano, earthquake, and tsunami monitoring. This shall ensure stability 
and protection of government investments on scientific, technical 
equipment and research laboratories. 
(i) Enhancement of Research and Development Capability. – This shall 
involve the enhancement of research and development capability 
through a more rationalized and totally integrated approach with 
established earthquake and volcano research laboratories, focusing on 
improvement of operations, as well as the strengthening of specialized 
services with cost recovery measures. 
(j) Enhancement of Public Information and Linkages with Local 
Government Units (LGUs) and other stakeholders. -This shall include 
continuous sharing of information to LGUs and other stakeholders that 
help in the disaster planning, preparation, disaster mitigation, among 
others; 
(k) Enhancement of Volcanic and Earthquake Data and Information 
Dissemination Services. – This shall involve the development and use 
of communication strategy for ensuring the use of plain and local 
language, nontechnical terms and familiar graphical presentations, in 
combination with science-based information that will ensure the delivery 
of accurate, up-to-date and timely earthquake, tsunami, and volcano-
related information to create greater public awareness and draw 
appropriate response for disaster risk reduction: Provided, that 
PHIVOLCS shall partner with the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), 
various Sentro ng Wika at Kultura, Philippine Commission on Women, 
and other rights-based organizations for the development or 
enhancement 
of 
socially-inclusive 
products. 
PHIVOLCS 
shall 
collaborate with both public and private organizations to effectively 
disseminate data and products. 


 
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(l) Strengthening of the Human Resource Development Program (HRDP). 
-  The HRDP of PHIVOLCS will continue to be aligned with the strategic 
goals of the Institute. This shall ensure that personnel are provided equal 
opportunities for self-improvement to be competent, motivated to work 
and rewarded.       
 
Complementation and capacity-building of a wide-range of experts in 
volcanology and seismology and to efficiently develop, operate and 
maintain advanced monitoring systems and distill accurate volcano, 
earthquake, and tsunami information for public guidance. Support to 
continued professional learning will further ensure skills development 
and motivation that will translate to better S&T services. 
 
Section 9. Whole-of-Government Approach. In order to effectively 
implement disaster risk mitigation across all areas of government policy - 
spanning local governance, education, communication, science, and 
technology, among others - a "whole of government approach" shall be 
adopted. 
 
This approach shall facilitate close coordination with the Local Government 
Unit, other concerned agencies, and the broader community towards ensuring 
the full and effective implementation of the PHIVOLCS' modernization plan. The 
PHIVOLCS modernization efforts shall align with national policies and priorities. 
 
Section 10. Collaboration or linkages with Local Government Units 
(LGUs). With this institutional modernization of PHIVOLCS, the roles of the 
local government will also be enhanced to cover the following areas: 
 
(a) Public Intermediary. The local government, together with national & local 
news media and the emergency management community, shall 
frequently act as intermediaries between PHIVOLCS and its complex 
target audience including the general public, institutional decision 
makers, and emergency responders, especially in crafting plans attuned 
to the local needs of its constituents to increase public resilience to 


 
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earthquakes, tsunami and volcanic eruptions, to reduce or eliminate 
long-term risk to human life and property  and shorten recovery periods 
based on risk assessments. 
(b) Information Dissemination. It is critically important for PHIVOLCS to 
work closely with the national and local disaster agencies to craft 
appropriate information messages, to regularly test and evaluate their 
dissemination communication channels, and to identify gaps and 
dissemination problems, so that the tsunami messages reach the 
intended users when an event occurs. 
(c) Awareness and Promotion. Outreach and communication with the public 
is crucial to their understanding and awareness of the nature of the 
geotectonic hazards, the risks to personal safety and property, and the 
steps to reduce those risks including the deployment of sustainable, 
reliable, and effective monitoring and warning systems. With this, the 
local government is expected to promote in local and international 
recognition programs, its own interfaces with the enhanced PHIVOLCS 
system with its increased coverage and explore avenues to enjoy its full 
benefits. 
(d) Technical Review.  The local government shall contribute to the review 
of local research, exchange information and coordinate local projects 
during regular local meetings to ensure readiness to disasters, that 
appropriate guidelines are consistently crafted and that local support 
infrastructure to the enhanced systems are funded; 
 
Section 11. Components of the HRDP. – This component shall include the 
following: 
 
(a) New Salary Scale for PHIVOLCS Personnel. – The Department of 
Budget and Management (DBM) shall develop a new salary scale for 
PHIVOLCS personnel in consonance with Republic Act No. 8439, as 
amended otherwise known as the “Magna Carta for Scientists, 
Engineers, Researchers and other Science and Technology Personnel 
in Government” with a corresponding increase in the base pay, 
allowances, and other benefits; 


 
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(b) PHIVOLCS Personnel Retention Incentive. – An additional incentive to 
be known as the “Personnel Retention Incentive” shall be provided to 
qualified PHIVOLCS personnel, to be determined by PHIVOLCS in 
consultation with DBM in an amount not exceeding twenty percent (20%) 
of the monthly basic salary subject to the implementing rules and 
regulations (IRR) which shall be hereinafter formulated;  
(c) Scholarship Program. – Not later than three (3) years from the 
enactment of this Act, scholarships shall be provided for undergraduate 
and graduate studies in volcano- and seismology-related fields as well 
as for specialized training programs, in coordination with the DOST, 
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Higher Education 
Institutions (HEIs). Cooperation on human resources upgrading and 
capability enhancement with regional and international organizations 
shall also be undertaken; and 
(d) Development of Regional and International Cooperation Program. – This 
shall entail the development of appropriate collaborative arrangements 
with relevant regional and international bodies and government 
institutions to complement the national effort for modernization. 
 
Section 12. Disaster Preparedness, Public Information and Dissemination 
Services. – The institutional modernization of PHIVOLCS shall enhance public 
information, education and advocacy on earthquake, tsunami and volcano 
hazards and risks.  To facilitate the appropriate appreciation and delivery of 
science-based information to target stakeholders for proper response actions 
before and during the occurrence of these hazards, there shall be provision for: 
 
(a) Fully equipped and well-staffed learning / training center that will serve 
as a platform for planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating 
capacity development programs for various stakeholders regarding 
mitigation and preparedness for volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and 
tsunami-related hazards. 
(b) A knowledge management system (composed of people, process, 
infrastructure, and strategy) that will ensure that research is attuned to 


 
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the public’s needs and that research and development outputs are 
translated into culturally relevant, gender-responsive, and disability-
inclusive capacity development programs, and warning and risk 
information products and services for key stakeholders and the public. 
(c) A multi-channel and multi-directional communication strategy and 
standardized procedures that shall ensure access to and effective 
dissemination of useful information on volcano, earthquake and tsunami 
disaster preparedness, risk reduction, and emergency response to 
intended stakeholders and the public. 
 
Section 13. Formulation and Submission of the PHIVOLCS Modernization 
Program. – The Executive Director of the PHIVOLCS in coordination with the 
Secretary of the DBM and the Director-General of the National Economic and 
Development Authority (NEDA), shall formulate the PHIVOLCS Modernization 
Program and oversee its implementation based on the policy objectives 
provided in this Act. 
 
The PHIVOLCS Modernization Program shall indicate among others: 
 
(a) PHIVOLCS requirements in terms of personnel, equipment, and facilities 
during the various stages of modernization; 
(b) The modernization projects, which shall indicate the equipment and 
technology acquisitions, including major construction or upgrade of 
facility and the particular objective and component to which such 
intended acquisition, construction and upgrading belongs to; and 
(c) The priorities, schedules, and estimated cost of each modernization 
project. 
 
The PHIVOLCS Modernization Fund shall be administered by the Executive 
Director of the PHIVOLCS in accordance with existing government budgeting, 
accounting, and auditing rules and regulations. 
 


 
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Section 14. Period of Implementation. The modernization program under this 
Act shall be implemented for an initial period of three (3) years: Provided, that 
payments for multi-year contract obligations incurred under this Act may extend 
beyond this period. Provided, further, that PHIVOLCS shall continue to 
modernize and constantly update its operational capabilities to keep pace with 
best international practices. 
 
Section 15. PHIVOLCS Modernization Fund. – There is hereby created the 
PHIVOLCS Modernization Fund to be used exclusively for the PHIVOLCS 
Modernization Program, which shall be sourced from the following: 
 
(a)  The amount of five billion pesos (P5,000,000,000.00) to be taken from the 
share of the National Government in the gross income of the Bases 
Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). For two (2) years after the 
effectivity of this Act, an amount of two billion five hundred million pesos 
(P2,500,000,000.00) per year shall be released to the PHIVOLCS. The 
entire amount of five billion pesos (P5,000,000,000.00), including any 
interest income thereon, shall be used exclusively for capital outlay. 
(b) Loans, grants, bequests, and donations whether from local or foreign 
sources. The Secretary of the DOST with the approval of the NEDA and 
subsequently the Department of Finance (DOF) is hereby granted the 
authority to enter into loan agreements with foreign financial institutions. 
 
The PHIVOLCS Modernization Fund shall be administered by the Executive 
Director of the PHIVOLCS in accordance with existing government budgeting, 
accounting, and auditing rules and regulations. 
 
Section 16. Annual Report. – The Executive Director of the PHIVOLCS shall 
prepare an annual report on the status of the implementation of the PHIVOLCS 
Modernization Program which shall be submitted through the DOST Secretary, 
to the President and to the Chairpersons of the Committee on Science and 
Technology of the Senate and the House of Representatives not later than June 
30 of the succeeding year. 
 


 
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Section 17. Tax Exemptions. - Donations, grants, gifts, endowments, 
legacies, and contributions used actually, directly, and exclusively for the 
purpose for PHIVOLCS shall be exempt from donor’s tax and the same shall 
be considered as allowable deduction from gross income for purposes of 
computing the taxable income of the donor, in accordance with Sec. 34 
(H)(2)(a) of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended. 
Likewise, such other transfers of ownership and/or possession of real or 
personal properties of all kinds shall be exempt from all taxes. 
 
Section 18. Procurement of Scientific and Technical Materials, 
Equipment, and Services. - The PHIVOLCS shall undertake the procurement 
of scientific and technical materials, equipment, and services in its operation 
and administration, in the most expeditious manner, and adopt the most 
suitable or appropriate method of procurement that it deems fit based on its 
identified needs and requirements depending on the existing conditions and 
requirements that justify the use of a particular alternative modality provided for 
by Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the "Government Procurement 
Reform Act" and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). 
 
Section 19. Exemption from Import Duties, Taxes and Restrictions. - 
Importation and consignments of equipment shall benefit from: 
 
(a) Exemption from all duties and taxes; 
(b) Waiver of economic prohibitions and restrictions except for categories of 
special goods and equipment that may be indicated by the PHIVOLCS;   
(c) Clearance without regards to the country of origin or the country from 
which the goods have arrived, subject to monitoring for reasons of public 
health and security; and 
(d) Immediate release of urgent, necessary monitoring equipment when 
there is an ongoing volcanic eruption. 
 
Section 20. Simplification of Documentation Requirements. -  
 


 
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(a) Consignments of equipment sent by international collaborative 
research partners shall be cleared or released on the basis of a 
simplified equipment declaration providing the minimum information 
necessary for the Bureau of Customs to identify the equipment and 
object, when deemed necessary, to completion of a more complete 
declaration within a specified period. 
(b) The requirements for the declaration for all imports of equipment by 
or on behalf of international collaborative research partners and any 
supporting documents relating to it, release and clearance shall be 
simplified and lodged without fee. 
 
Section 21. Appropriations. – The amount necessary to carry out the 
implementation of this Act shall be initially charged against the current fiscal 
year appropriations of the DOST – PHIVOLCS. Thereafter, the amount needed 
for the continued implementation of the modernization program, shall be 
included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
 
Section 22. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). – Within ninety (90) 
days from the effectivity of this Act, the PHIVOLCS shall issue the IRR for the 
effective implementation of this Act in consultation with relevant stakeholders. 
 
Section 23. Separability Clause. – If any provision or part of this Act is 
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions hereof which are not 
affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
 
Section 24. Repealing Clause. – All laws, orders, proclamations, rules and 
regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this 
Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
Section 25. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least (2) newspapers of 
general circulation. 
 
Approved,