SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
) 
) 
) 
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M, Lapid 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
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SEP -5 P557 
The Philippines is an archipelago with more than 7,107 islands. Scientific 
data shows that most of these islands are of volcanic origin. There are 37 
volcanoes, eighteen (18) of which are still active. The most well-known active 
volcanoes are Mt. Pinatubo, Mt. Mayon, and Taal Volcano, all located in the 
Luzon area. 
We witnessed the devastating effects wrought by the eruption of Mt. 
Pinatubo in 1991. Volcanic eruptions claim countless lives and cost billions of 
pesos in property damage. Ash eruptions pose hazards to high-flying jet aircrafts 
while lava flows, toxic gas emissions;' 'explosions, and mudflows pose a serious· 
hazard to urban areas, transportation arteries, and agricultural communities. 
Modern technology, such as on-the-ground geophysical monitoring 
networks and near real-time satellite data increases the probability of issuing 
warnings before eruptions. Early warnings hive emergency response agencies 
and the public time to prepare thus minimizing loss of or danger to life and 
property. 
This bill seeks to establish a national volcano early warning and monitoring 
system to give emergency response agencies and the public time to prepare for 
eruptions 
. This will minimize potential damage to property and loss of life. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
- .... ', 
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MAKei: "LITO" M. LAP~ 
Senator 
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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
) 
) 
) 
S. No~ 1582 
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid 
AN ACT 
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SEP -5 P5:57 
ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL VOLCANO EARLY WARNING AND 
MONITORING SYSTEM 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
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SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act may be cited as the "National Volcano 
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Early Warning and Monitoring System Act of 2013". 
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SECTION 2. Definitions." When used in this Act, the following terms shall refer 
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to the following 
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(1) 
"Secretary" shall refer to the Secretary of the Department of Science and 
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Technology (DOST). 
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(2) 
"Department" shall refer to the Department of Science and Technology. 
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(3) 
"Director" shall refer to the Director of the Philippine Institute of 
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Volcanology and Seismology. 
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(4) 
"Institute" shall shall refer to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and 
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Seismology. 
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(5) 
"System" shall. refer to the National Volcano Early Warning and 
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Monitoring System established under Section 3(a)(I). 
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SECTION 
3. 
Establishment of a National Volcano Early Warning and 
Monitoring System. - The Secretary shall establish a program within the Institute to be 
known as the "National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System" for the purpose 
of monitoring, warning, and protectirig citizens from undue and avoidable harm from 
volcanic activity.As such, the System shall organiz~, modernize, standardize, and 
stabilize the monitoring systems Of volcano observator~~~ throughout the ~untry. The 
System shall monitor all the volcanoes in the country giving each one attention 
commensurate to the threat posed. The System shall ensure the upgrade of existing 
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networks for monitored volcanoes and shall ensure the installation of new networks for 
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volcanoes that are still unmonitored. 
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SECTION 4. System Components.· The System shall include the following: 
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(A) 
A national volcano watch office that is operational twenty four (24) hours a 
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day and seven (7) days a week; 
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(8) 
A national volcano data center; and 
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(C) 
An external grants program to support research on volcano monitoring 
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science and technology. 
SECTION 5. 
Modernization Activities. • Modernization activities under the 
System shall include the comprehensive application of emerging technologies, including 
digital broadband seismometers, real·time continuous global pOSitioning systems, radar 
satellite interferometry, and spectrometry to measure gas emission. 
SECTION 6. Management.· Not later than ninety (90) days after the effectivity 
of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a five year management plan for the 
establishment and operation of the System. The management plan shall include: 
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(A) Annual cost estimates for modernization activities and operation of the 
System; 
(8) Annual milestones, standards, and performance goals; and 
(C) Recommendations for establishing new or enhancing existing partnerships to 
leverage resources. 
SECTION 7. Advisory Committee. - The Secretary shall establish an advisory 
committee within the Department to assist in implementing the System. Such committee 
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shall be composed of representatives of relevant agencies and members of the 
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scientific community appointed by the Secretary. 
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SECTION 8. Partnerships and Coordination . • The Secretary may enter into 
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agreements with universities and State agencies designating them as volcano 
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observatory partners for the SYstem. The Secretary shall coordinate activities launched 
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pursuant to this Act with the heads of relevant government agencies, such as, the 
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Secretary of Transportation and Communications, the Director-General of the Civil 
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Aviation Authority, and the Administrator of the Philippine Atmospheric, GeOphysical 
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and Astronomical Services Administration. 
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SECTION 9. Annual Report. - The Secretary shall submit to Congress an 
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annual report outlining the activities carried out under this Act. 
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SECTION 10. 
Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the 
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provisions of this Act shall be included and incorporated in the annual general 
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appropriations of the Department of Science and Technology. 
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SECTION 11. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules 
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and regulations, or parts thereof not consistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
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repealed or modified accordingly. 
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SECTION 12. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is held 
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unconstitutional or invalid, the other parts or provisions not affected thereby shall 
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continue to be in full force and effect. 
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SECTION 13. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
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from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers 
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of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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