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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
Introduced by Representative Ron P. Salo 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Philippines sits on the Pacific ring of Fire where 24 active volcanoes, 27 
potentially active volcanoes, and numerous active faults and trenches are located and 
capable of producing large magnitude earthquakes that can result in disasters and disrupt 
life in communities. Of the 24 active volcanoes, only ten (10) are currently being monitored. 
Out of these ten (10), only two (2) are instrumented with all required station types.  Due to 
this, the World Risk Index 2022 ranks the Philippines on top of out of 193 countries 
evaluated for highest overall disaster risk.  
At least 60% of the country’s total land area is exposed to multiple hazards, and 74% 
of the population is susceptible to its impact. Out of 81 provinces of the Philippines, 66 are 
coastal and are constantly exposed to tsunami threats. The total coastal population in the 
Philippines is 64.7 million, or almost 61.6 % of the total population, as shown by the 2015 
data of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA),  
Mandated to adopt measures to mitigate disasters that may arise from volcanic 
eruptions, earthquakes, tsunami, and other related geotectonic phenomena is the Philippine 
Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) under the Department of Science and 
Technology (DOST). However, the PHIVOLCS is in dire need of updating its capabilities and 
modernizing its equipment so that it can better perform its mandate and minimize the effects 
of these disasters. More lives, more property, and more livelihood will be spared from these 
disasters with timely and quality information and increased preparedness due to the 
improved delivery of services by PHIVOLCS to be brought about by this modernization. 
Thus, this bill seeks to modernize PHIVOLCS to better provide timely and quality 
information and services for warning, disaster preparedness, and mitigation, as part of the 
strategic initiatives, earthquake and volcanic hazards, and risk assessments. Though this 
measure, PHIVOLCS shall be provided with the necessary monitoring and warning 
technologies to augment its present volcano and seismic monitoring network, and to update 
its human resource requirements, among others to minimize the vulnerability of our people 
during disasters. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
RON P. SALO   
 KABAYAN Party List 
February 1, 2023
2:06pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
Introduced by Representative Ron P. Salo 
AN ACT  
MODERNIZING 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 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
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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; 
 
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: 
 
a) Seismology – the scientific study of the sudden, violent movements of the 
earth connected with earthquakes 
 
b) 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. 
 
c) Volcanology – is the study of volcanoes, lava, magma, ash, or tephra fall 
and related geological, geophysical and geochemical phenomena. 


 
 
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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; and 
 
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 
Directors, specifically 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 


 
 
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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; 
 
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. 
 


 
 
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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; and 
 
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. 
 


 
 
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SEC. 9. Collaboration or linkages with Local Government Units (LGUs). – 
With this institutional modernization of PHIVOLCS, the roles of the local government 
shall also be enhanced to cover the following areas: 
 
a) Public Intermediary. – The local government, together with national and 
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; and 
 
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. 
 
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; 
 


 
 
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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; 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; and 
 
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. 


 
 
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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 


 
 
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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. 
 
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. 


 
 
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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. 
 
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. 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. 
 
 
 
SEC. 22. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared invalid 
or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain valid. 
 
 
 
SEC. 23. Repealing Clause. – All act, executive orders, administrative 
orders, decrees, proclamations, rules and regulations or other issuances or parts 
thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly. 
 
 
 
SEC. 24. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or any two (2) newspapers of general circulation in 
the Philippines. 
 
 
 
Approved.