1
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by Representative CARLITO S. MARQUEZ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to modernize the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology 
(PHIVOLCS) to enhance its capability in providing services to protect the people from 
hazards turning into disasters.  
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 (twenty-four) 24 active volcanoes, only ten are currently being monitored: Bulusan, 
Hibok-Hibok, Kanlaon, Mayon, Pinatubo, Taal, Matutum, Parker, Iriga and Isarog. However, 
out of these volcanoes, only Taal and Mayon are instrumented with all required station types. 
Susceptible is the 74% of the Philippine population to multiple hazards, accounting to 
sixty-six (66) provinces exposed to tsunami threats. This makes the Philippines top the 2022 
World Risk Index among the evaluated 193 countries.  
Although there have been significant advances in the technologies used in mitigating 
disasters caused by volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis and other related geotectonic 
phenomena, PHIVOLCS needs to be further strengthened in its capacity in conducting 
research, mapping and monitoring of hazards, among others. 
PHIVOLCS, as mandated by law, is to predict the occurrence of volcanic eruptions and 
earthquakes, to determine how eruptions and earthquakes shall occur and areas likely to be 
affected, to mitigate hazards of volcanic activities through appropriate detection, forecast and 
warning systems, to generate sufficient data for forecasting volcanic eruptions and 
earthquakes, and to formulate appropriate disaster preparedness plans.  
Increasing its capacity and capability to better understand future geological 
occurrences shall provide significant support in risk assessments, of which other government 
agencies or even the private sector usually avail for various projects.  
Therefore, we believe that in order to not only meet the demands of the present but 
also for the urgency to prepare for the worst,  this bill hopes to address the gaps by upgrading 
the capacity of the Institute to perform its evolving mandate by providing the necessary 
monitoring and warning technologies and increasing in seismic stations, and human resource 
requirements to minimize the vulnerability of people, nature, and economy.  
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
    ENGR. CARLITO "Lito" S. MARQUEZ 
  Chairperson, Committee on Science & Technology 
February 7, 2023
2:40 pm
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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 CARLITO S. MARQUEZ 
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.” 
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2 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It has been the policy of the State to utilize scientific and 
3 
technical knowledge and information as an effective instrument to ensure the safety, well-
4 
being and economic security of the people; to safeguard the environment; and to promote 
5 
national progress and sustainable socioeconomic development through various 
6 
applications of geology, geophysics, geodetic engineering and allied sciences. The State 
7 
also recognizes the need to strengthen the capability of government personnel tasked to 
8 
monitor volcanic and seismological activities and other related services and information 
9 
to the public. The State also recognizes the need to strengthen the capability of the 
10 
mandated government agency – the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology 
11 
of PHIVOLCS – to monitor the threat of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis and 
12 
related processes in order to provide critical life-saving information to the public and 
13 
generate scientific knowledge to be leveraged for the safety of future generations. This 
14 
capability would be predicated upon improvements in its scientific, technological, 
15 
operational and human resource capacities, a strengthening of its role as the premier 
16 
national volcano and earthquake monitoring agency and a realization of its vision as a 
17 
center of excellence for geotectonic hazard mitigation.  
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19 
Towards this end, the State shall undertake the modernization of the Philippine Institute 
20 
of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) in response to the United Nations 
21 
Sustainable Goals (UNSDGs) particularly No. 11 or Sustainable Cities and Communities. 
22 
A modernized PHIVOLCS can also indirectly address other SDGs such as SDG 1 (No 
23 
Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). When people in communities are safe, resilient and 
24 
empowered, they are able to participate in the economic development of the country and 
25 
at the same time reap the benefits of such development, leading to inclusive growth.  If 
26 
communities are out of earthquake, volcanic or tsunami hazard zones or if communities 
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and other human-built resources within the hazard zones are built according to specific 
28 
designs to mitigate the effects of these geological hazards, damages to physical and social 
29 
ecologies are reduced and economic losses are kept to minimum. This would then 
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translate to high growth sustainability. Eventually, if inclusive growth and high growth 
1 
sustainability are achieved, this will lead to two intended consequences:  mass-
2 
employment generation and poverty-reduction. Once these two externalities are 
3 
experienced, this would reinforce the inclusive growth and high growth sustainability 
4 
 
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SEC. 3. Objectives. – Pursuant to the foregoing policy, the PHIVOLCS Modernization 
6 
Program shall be implemented in accordance with the following objectives: 
7 
 
8 
(a) To upgrade physical resources and operational techniques through acquisition and 
9 
development of state-of-the-art instruments, equipment, facilities and systems to 
10 
enhance current capabilities in providing useful, timely, accurate and reliable volcanic 
11 
and seismological data and localized warning and information services for use in 
12 
decision-making in disaster preparedness, climate change adaptation, water resources 
13 
management, agriculture, transportation, health, tourism and other sectors; 
14 
 
15 
(b) To enhance research and development capabilities by adopting a rationalized and 
16 
integrated approach with focus on the improvement of basic operations and 
17 
specialized services; 
18 
 
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(c) To integrate disaster risk reduction and management in the sustainable 
20 
socioeconomic development planning at the national and local levels in coordination 
21 
with appropriate government agencies and other entities; 
22 
 
23 
(d) To strengthen linkages and cooperation at the national level among the various 
24 
providers and users of geological, seismological and other services as well as to provide 
25 
for the appropriate mechanisms for this purpose; 
26 
 
27 
(e) To establish and enhance volcanic and seismological activity monitoring stations in 
28 
strategic areas in the country to broaden the agency base for the delivery of service in 
29 
the countryside; 
30 
 
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(f) To strengthen a technology-based data center consistent with international standards 
32 
to make information available to those involved, whether from the government or 
33 
private sector in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plans, among others; 
34 
 
35 
(g) To enhance public information, education and advocacy on geological activities, as 
36 
well as their impacts, risks and vulnerability; 
37 
 
38 
(h) To facilitate the appropriate appreciation and delivery of information, products and 
39 
services to decision makers, media, other users and the general public; and 
40 
 
41 
(i) To provide a more competitive base pay and other benefits for its personnel in order 
42 
to promote professionalism and commitment to the service. 
43 
 
44 
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. – the following terms are defined as follows: 
45 
 
46 
(1) Seismology – the scientific study of the sudden, violent movements of the earth 
47 
connected with earthquakes 
48 
 
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(2) Tsunami - a series of large waves of extremely long wavelength and period usually 
1 
generated by a violent, impulsive undersea disturbance or activity near the coast 
2 
or in the ocean. 
3 
 
4 
(3) Volcanology – is the study of volcanoes, lava, magma, ash or tephra fall and related 
5 
geological, geophysical and geochemical phenomena. 
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SEC. 5. Mandate. – The PHIVOLCS is mandated to: 
8 
a. Predict the occurrence of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, and their related 
9 
geotectonic phenomena, 
10 
b. Determine how volcanic eruptions and earthquakes shall occur and   areas likely 
11 
to be affected, 
12 
c. Mitigate hazards of volcanic activities through appropriate detection, forecast and 
13 
warning system, 
14 
d. Provide appropriate volcano, earthquake and tsunami products   and services for  
15 
disaster preparedness,       
16 
 
17 
PHIVOLCS shall provide timely, quality and socially-inclusive information and services 
18 
for warning, disaster preparedness and mitigation.                  
19 
 
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SEC. 6. Organizational Structure. The PHIVOLCS shall be an attached agency of the 
21 
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for purposes of policy and program 
22 
coordination, to ensure alignment in national science and technology policies and 
23 
priorities.  
24 
 
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It shall be headed by an Executive Director V with the rank and compensation of a 
26 
Department Undersecretary who shall be appointed by the President upon 
27 
recommendation by the Secretary of the DOST. 
28 
 
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The Executive Director V shall be assisted by three (3) Deputy Executive Director V for 
30 
Operations Services; Research and Development and S&T Services; and Administration, 
31 
Finance and General Services, all with the rank and compensation of a Department 
32 
Assistant Secretary to be appointed by the President. 
33 
 
34 
SEC. 7. Qualifications. – No person shall be appointed as Executive Director V unless 
35 
that person is a natural-born citizen and a resident of the Philippines, of good moral 
36 
character, has an advanced degree in geology, geodetic engineering, volcanology, physics, 
37 
and other related fields and with at least five (5) years of competence and expertise in 
38 
volcanology, geophysics, and or allied sciences. Provided, That the Executive Director V 
39 
and the three (3) Deputy Executive Director V shall be career executive officers. 
40 
 
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SEC. 8. Components of Modernization. – The PHIVOLCS modernization shall have the 
42 
following components: 
43 
 
44 
(a) Upgrading and Maintenance of Physical Resources and Operational Techniques. 
45 
– This shall entail the acquisition and/or upgrade of state-of-the-art instruments, 
46 
equipment, facilities, systems, and operational techniques, with emphasis on 
47 
volcano, earthquake and tsunami monitoring and warning system: Provided, t     
48 
hat prior to such acquisition and/or upgrade, an inventory of      existing 
49 
government and private, volcanic and seismological instruments nationwide shall 
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be undertaken: Provided, further, that the acquisition of new instruments, 
1 
equipment and systems shall be harmonized with the phase-out of uneconomical 
2 
and obsolete instruments, equipment and systems in the PHIVOLCS inventory; 
3 
 
4 
(b) Sustained development of Volcano Monitoring network infrastructure for all active 
5 
volcanoes of the Philippines that will ensure early-warning of volcanic activity even 
6 
at volcanoes of long dormancy.  
7 
 
8 
(c) Sustainable development of continually evolving technologies for eruption early-
9 
warning will help the national government keep abreast with the latest in S&T 
10 
while maximizing its investment in public safety amidst technology shifts and 
11 
changes. From state-of-the-art systems to customized off-the-shelf instruments 
12 
interfaced by the Internet-of-Things, such technologies provide quality scientific 
13 
data while instilling a culture of dynamic technical learning, vital to long-term 
14 
organizational growth and performance. 
15 
 
16 
(d) Earthquake Monitoring and Information System Development.  Establish, 
17 
operate   and maintain an advanced infrastructure for earthquake and tsunami 
18 
monitoring throughout the Philippines that operates with high performance 
19 
standards, gathers critical technical data, and effectively provides information 
20 
products and services to meet the needs of the Philippine government and the 
21 
public 
22 
 
23 
(e) Reliable Monitoring. Continuously monitor earthquakes and other seismic              
24 
disturbances throughout the Philippines, including earthquakes that may cause a 
25 
tsunami or precede a volcanic eruption, with special focus on regions of moderate  
26 
to high hazard and risk. 
27 
 
28 
(f) Long-term Protection/ Conservation of Built Environment. Thoroughly measure 
29 
strong earthquake shaking at ground sites and in buildings and critical structures. 
30 
Focus should be in urban areas and near major active fault zones to gather greatly 
31 
needed data and information for reducing earthquake impacts on buildings and 
32 
structures. 
33 
 
34 
(g) Development of Forecasting Capability for Impending Large Earthquakes/ 
35 
Tsunami Events. Develop machine learned capability to determine earthquake 
36 
parameters and the resulting information will automatically be broadcast to 
37 
mobile phones and social media accounts whenever a significant earthquake 
38 
occurs, for immediate assessment of impacts. In areas feasible, for sites at a 
39 
distance from the epicenter, an early warning will be broadcasted seconds before 
40 
strong shaking arrives. Provide similar capabilities for automated warning and 
41 
alert for tsunamis. 
42 
 
43 
(h) Establishment of permanent PHIVOLCS building including land acquisition to 
44 
house the Data Receiving/ Operation Centers for real-time volcano, earthquake 
45 
and tsunami monitoring. This shall ensure stability and protection of government 
46 
investments on scientific, technical equipment and research laboratories. 
47 
 
48 
(i) Enhancement of Research and Development Capability. – This shall involve the 
49 
enhancement of research and development capability through a more rationalized 
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and totally integrated approach with established earthquake and volcano research 
1 
laboratories, focusing on improvement of operations, as well as the strengthening 
2 
of specialized services with cost recovery measures; 
3 
 
4 
(j) Enhancement of Public Information and Linkages with Local Government Units 
5 
(LGUs) and other stakeholders. -This shall include continuous sharing of 
6 
information to LGUs and other stakeholders that help in the disaster planning, 
7 
preparation, disaster mitigation, among others; 
8 
 
9 
(k) Enhancement of Volcanic and Earthquake Data and Information Dissemination 
10 
Services. – This shall involve the development and use of communication strategy 
11 
for ensuring the use of plain and local language, nontechnical terms and familiar 
12 
graphical presentations, in combination with science-based information that will 
13 
ensure the delivery of accurate, up-to-date and timely earthquake, tsunami, and 
14 
volcano-related information to create greater public awareness and draw 
15 
appropriate response for disaster risk reduction: Provided, that PHIVOLCS shall 
16 
partner with the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), various Sentro ng Wika at 
17 
Kultura, Philippine Commission on Women, and other rights-based organizations 
18 
for 
the 
development 
or 
enhancement 
of 
socially-inclusive 
products.           
19 
PHIVOLCS shall collaborate with both public and private organizations to 
20 
effectively disseminate data and products. 
21 
 
22 
(l) Strengthening of the Human Resource Development Program (HRDP). -  The 
23 
HRDP of PHIVOLCS will continue to be aligned with the strategic goals of the 
24 
Institute. This shall ensure that personnel are provided equal opportunities for 
25 
self-improvement to be competent, motivated to work and rewarded.       
26 
 
27 
Complementation and capacity-building of a wide-range of experts in volcanology 
28 
and seismology and to efficiently develop, operate and maintain advanced 
29 
monitoring systems and distill accurate volcano, earthquake and tsunami 
30 
information for public guidance. Support to continued professional learning will 
31 
further ensure skills development and motivation that will translate to better S&T 
32 
services. 
33 
 
34 
SEC. 9. Collaboration or linkages with Local Government Units (LGUs). With this 
35 
institutional modernization of PHIVOLCS, the roles of the local government will also be 
36 
enhanced to cover the following areas: 
37 
 
38 
(a) Public Intermediary. The local government, together with national & local news 
39 
media and the emergency management community, shall frequently act as 
40 
intermediaries between PHIVOLCS and its complex target audience including the 
41 
general public, institutional decision makers, and emergency responders, 
42 
especially in crafting plans attuned to the local needs of its constituents to increase 
43 
public resilience to earthquakes, tsunami and volcanic eruptions, to reduce or 
44 
eliminate long-term risk to human life and property  and shorten recovery periods 
45 
based on risk assessments. 
46 
 
47 
(b) Information Dissemination. It is critically important for PHIVOLCS to work 
48 
closely with the national and local disaster agencies to craft appropriate 
49 
information messages, to regularly test and evaluate their dissemination 
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communication channels, and to identify gaps and dissemination problems, so 
1 
that the tsunami messages reach the intended users when an event occurs. 
2 
 
3 
(c) Awareness and Promotion. Outreach and communication with the public is 
4 
crucial to their understanding and awareness of the nature of the geotectonic 
5 
hazards, the risks to personal safety and property, and the steps to reduce those 
6 
risks including the deployment of sustainable, reliable and effective monitoring 
7 
and warning systems. With this, the local government is expected to promote in 
8 
local and international recognition programs, its own interfaces with the enhanced 
9 
PHIVOLCS system with its increased coverage and explore avenues to enjoy its full 
10 
benefits  
11 
 
12 
(d) Technical Review.  The local government shall contribute in the review of local 
13 
research, exchange information and coordinate local projects during regular local 
14 
meetings to ensure readiness to disasters, that appropriate guidelines are 
15 
consistently crafted and that local support infrastructure to the enhanced systems 
16 
are funded; 
17 
 
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SEC. 10. Components of the HRDP. – This component shall include the following: 
19 
 
20 
(a) New Salary Scale for PHIVOLCS Personnel. – The Department of Budget and 
21 
Management (DBM) shall develop a new salary scale for PHIVOLCS personnel in 
22 
consonance with Republic Act No. 8439, as amended otherwise known as the 
23 
“Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other Science and 
24 
Technology Personnel in Government” with a corresponding increase in the base 
25 
pay, allowances and other benefits; 
26 
 
27 
(b) PHIVOLCS Personnel Retention Incentive. – An additional incentive to be known 
28 
as the “Personnel Retention Incentive” shall be provided to qualified PHIVOLCS 
29 
personnel, to be determined by PHIVOLCS in consultation with DBM in an 
30 
amount not exceeding twenty percent (20%) of the monthly basic salary subject to 
31 
the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) which shall be hereinafter 
32 
formulated; and 
33 
 
34 
(c) Scholarship Program. – Not later than three (3) years from the enactment of this 
35 
Act, scholarships shall be provided for undergraduate and graduate studies in 
36 
volcano- and seismology-related fields as well as for specialized training programs, 
37 
in coordination with the DOST, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and 
38 
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Cooperation on human resources 
39 
upgrading and capability enhancement with regional and international 
40 
organizations shall also be undertaken. 
41 
 
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(d) Development of Regional and International Cooperation Program. – This shall 
43 
entail the development of appropriate collaborative arrangements with relevant 
44 
regional and international bodies and government institutions to complement the 
45 
national effort for modernization. 
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SEC. 11. Disaster Preparedness, Public Information and Dissemination Services – The 
48 
institutional modernization of PHIVOLCS shall enhance public information, education 
49 
and advocacy on earthquake, tsunami and volcano hazards and risks.  To facilitate the 
50 


 
 
 
 
8
appropriate appreciation and delivery of science-based information to target stakeholders 
1 
for proper response actions before and during the occurrence of these hazards, there shall 
2 
be provision for: 
3 
 
4 
(a) Fully-equipped and well-staffed learning / training center that will serve as a 
5 
platform for planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating capacity 
6 
development programs for various stakeholders regarding mitigation and 
7 
preparedness for volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunami-related hazards. 
8 
 
9 
(b) A knowledge management system (composed of people, process, infrastructure, 
10 
and strategy) that will ensure that researches are attuned to the public’s needs and 
11 
that research and development outputs are translated into culturally-relevant, 
12 
gender-responsive, and disability-inclusive capacity development programs, and 
13 
warning and risk information products and services for key stakeholders and the 
14 
public. 
15 
 
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     (c) A multi-channel and multi-directional communication strategy and  standardized  
17 
procedures that shall ensure access to and effective dissemination of useful 
18 
information on volcano, earthquake and tsunami disaster preparedness, risk 
19 
reduction, and emergency response to intended stakeholders and the public. 
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SEC. 12. Formulation and Submission of the PHIVOLCS Modernization Program. – 
22 
The Executive Director of the PHIVOLCS in coordination with the Secretary of the DBM 
23 
and the Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), 
24 
shall formulate the PHIVOLCS Modernization Program and oversee its implementation 
25 
based on the policy objectives provided in this Act. 
26 
 
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The PHIVOLCS Modernization Program shall indicate among others: 
28 
 
29 
(a) PHIVOLCS requirements in terms of personnel, equipment and facilities during 
30 
the various stages of modernization; 
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(b) The modernization projects, which shall indicate the equipment and technology 
33 
acquisitions, including major construction or upgrade of facility and the particular 
34 
objective and component to which such intended acquisition, construction and 
35 
upgrading      belongs to; and 
36 
 
37 
(c) The priorities, schedules and estimated cost of each modernization project. 
38 
 
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The PHIVOLCS Modernization Fund shall be administered by the Executive Director of 
40 
the PHIVOLCS in accordance with existing government budgeting, accounting and 
41 
auditing rules and regulations. 
42 
 
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SEC. 13. Period of Implementation. The modernization program under this Act shall be 
44 
implemented for an initial period of three (3) years: Provided, that payments for multi-
45 
year contract obligations incurred under this Act may extend beyond this period. 
46 
Provided, further, that PHIVOLCS shall continue to modernize and constantly update its 
47 
operational capabilities to keep pace with best international practices. 
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SEC. 14. PHIVOLCS Modernization Fund. – There is hereby created the PHIVOLCS 
1 
Modernization Fund to be used exclusively for the PHIVOLCS Modernization Program, 
2 
which shall be sourced from the following: 
3 
 
4 
(a)  The amount of five billion pesos (P5,000,000,000.00) to be taken from the share of 
5 
the National Government in the gross income of the Bases Conversion and 
6 
Development Authority (BCDA). For two (2) years after the effectivity of this Act, an 
7 
amount of two billion five hundred million pesos (P2,500,000,000.00) per year shall 
8 
be released to the PHIVOLCS. The entire amount of five billion pesos 
9 
(P5,000,000,000.00), including any interest income thereon, shall be used 
10 
exclusively for capital outlay. 
11 
 
12 
(b) Loans, grants, bequests, and donations whether from local or foreign sources. The 
13 
Secretary of the DOST with the approval of the NEDA and subsequently the 
14 
Department of Finance (DOF) is hereby granted the authority to enter into loan 
15 
agreements with foreign financial institutions. 
16 
 
17 
The PHIVOLCS Modernization Fund shall be administered by the Executive Director of 
18 
the PHIVOLCS in accordance with existing government budgeting, accounting and 
19 
auditing rules and regulations. 
20 
 
21 
SEC. 15. Annual Report. – The Executive Director of the PHIVOLCS shall prepare an 
22 
annual report on the status of the implementation of the PHIVOLCS Modernization 
23 
Program which shall be submitted through the DOST Secretary, to the President and to 
24 
the Chairpersons of the Committee on Science and Technology of the Senate and the 
25 
House of Representatives not later than June 30  of the succeeding year. 
26 
 
27 
SEC. 16. Tax Exemptions. - Donations, grants, gifts, endowments, legacies, and 
28 
contributions used actually, directly and exclusively for the purpose for PHIVOLCS shall 
29 
be exempt from donor’s tax and the same shall be considered as allowable deduction from 
30 
gross income for purposes of computing the taxable income of the donor, in accordance 
31 
with Sec. 34 (H)(2)(a) of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended. 
32 
Likewise, such other transfers of ownership and/or possession of real or personal 
33 
properties of all kinds shall be exempt from all taxes. 
34 
 
35 
SEC. 17. Procurement of Scientific and Technical Materials, Equipment, and Services. 
36 
- The PHIVOLCS shall undertake the procurement of scientific and technical materials, 
37 
equipment, and services in its operation and administration, in the most expeditious 
38 
manner, and adopt the most suitable or appropriate method of procurement that it deems 
39 
fit based on its identified needs and requirements depending on the existing conditions 
40 
and requirements that justify the use of a particular alternative modality provided for by 
41 
Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the "Government Procurement Reform Act" 
42 
and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). 
43 
 
44 
Sec. 18. Exemption from Import Duties, Taxes and Restrictions. - Importation and 
45 
consignments of equipment shall benefit from: 
46 
 
47 
(a) Exemption from all duties and taxes; 
48 
 
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(b) Waiver of economic prohibitions and restrictions except for categories of special 
1 
goods and equipment that may be indicated by the PHIVOLCS;   
2 
 
3 
(c) Clearance without regards to the country of origin or the country from which the 
4 
goods have arrived, subject to monitoring for reasons of public health and security 
5 
and 
6 
 
7 
(d) Immediate release of urgent, necessary monitoring equipment when there is an 
8 
ongoing volcanic eruption. 
9 
 
10 
Sec. 19. Simplification of Documentation Requirements -  
11 
 
12 
(a) Consignments of equipment sent by international collaborative research 
13 
partners shall be cleared or released on the basis of a simplified equipment declaration 
14 
providing the minimum information necessary for the Bureau of Customs to identify the 
15 
equipment and object, when deemed necessary, to completion of a more complete 
16 
declaration within a specified period. 
17 
 
18 
(b) The requirements for the declaration for all imports of equipment by or on 
19 
behalf of international collaborative research partners and any supporting documents 
20 
relating to it, release and clearance shall be simplified and lodged without fee. 
21 
 
22 
SEC. 20. Appropriations. – The amount necessary to carry out the implementation of 
23 
this Act shall be initially charged against the current fiscal year appropriations of the 
24 
DOST – PHIVOLCS. Thereafter, the amount needed for the continued implementation of 
25 
the modernization program, shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
26 
 
27 
SEC. 21. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). – Within ninety (90) days from 
28 
the effectivity of this Act, the PHIVOLCS shall issue the IRR for the effective 
29 
implementation of this Act in consultation with relevant stakeholders. 
30 
 
31 
SEC. 22. Separability Clause. – If any provision or part of this Act is declared invalid or 
32 
unconstitutional, the other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall 
33 
continue to be in full force and effect. 
34 
 
35 
SEC. 23. Repealing Clause. – All laws, orders, proclamations, rules and regulations or 
36 
parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or 
37 
modified accordingly. 
38 
 
39 
SEC. 24. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
40 
publication in the Official Gazette or in one (1) national newspaper of general circulation. 
41 
 
Approved,