NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ] 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
of the
23 HflR 22 P4S6
SENATE
Senate Bill No,?>f)38
Introduced by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
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 archipelago is one of the riskiest places to live in given the natural 
geological and hydro-meteorological occurrences. In 2022, the World Risk Index ranked 
the Philippines on top of 193 countries evaluated for highest overall disaster risk.
The Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and hosts 24 active volcanoes, 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. 
Of the 24 active volcanoes, only 10 are currently being monitored. And out of the 10 
monitored volcanoes, only two 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. Sixty-six (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.
Recently, the catastrophic 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria caused 
more than 50,000 deaths, estimate report from the World Health Organization suggests 
up to more than 23 million people were affected by the natural disaster. Experts say it 
may take years to rebuild damaged infrastructure in the affected region.
Considering our country's vulnerability to geological and hydrometeorological 
hazards, there is a need to come up with viable solutions to combat the impact of these 
hazards.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) is the service 
institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) mandated to mitigate 
disasters that may arise from volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunami and other related 
geotectonic phenomena.


This bill seeks to modernize the PHIVOLCS to enable the institute to strengthen its 
capability and capacity to better provide services critical to disaster planning, preparation, 
and mitigation, among others, thereby providing the necessary monitoring and warning 
technologies, increase in seismic stations, and human resource requirements to minimize 
the vulnerability of people, nature, and the economy to natural disasters.
JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBIRI


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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
!'V*V 'i -
ol m ^trLMarr
23 MAR 22 P4 56
SENATE
Senate Bill No. ^Q38
RECEIVED 8Y;
Introduced by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
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 Title. - This Act shall be the "PHIVOLCS Modernization
Act.'
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:
(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;


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(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;
(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.
SEC. 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.
SEC. 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.


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(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.
SEC. 6. Organizational Structure. - The PHIVOLCS shall be an attached agency 
of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for purposes of 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.
SEC. 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.
SEC. 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 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.


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(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 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


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for the development or enhancement of socially-inclusive products. 
PHIVOLCS shall collaborate with both public and private organizations to effectively 
disseminate data and products.
(I) 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.
SEC, 9, 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 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 in 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;


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SEC. 10. 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;
(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; 
and
(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.
(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.
SEC. 11. 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 researches are attuned to 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


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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.
SEC. 12. 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.
SEC. 13. 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.
SEC. 14. 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.


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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.
SEC. 15. 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.
SEC. 16. 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.
SEC. 17. 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).
Sec. 18. 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.
Sec. 19. Simplification of Documentation Requirements -
(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.
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SEC. 20. 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.
SEC. 21. Impiementing Ruies and Reguiations (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.
SEC. 22. Separabiiity Ciause. - 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.
SEC. 23. Repeaiing Ciause. - 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.
SEC. 24. Effectivity Ciause. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
its publication in one (1) national newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,