Marcos signs PHIVOLCS law, creates Mt. Kanlaon task force

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. signed into law the PHIVOLCS Modernization Act, Republic Act No. 12180, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

The new law provides state-of-the-art equipment, highly trained personnel, and additional seismic stations to improve detection and response to natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and other geotectonic events.

It mandates a five-year modernization program with annual funding of PHP1.25 billion for the first four years and PHP2 billion in the fifth year from the national budget and official development assistance.

The legislation also establishes a centralized data center and learning hub to provide critical data for disaster preparedness in sectors like agriculture and transportation, and strengthens linkages among various providers and users of geological services.

To support these initiatives, a PHIVOLCS Modernization Fund has been established with an initial allocation of P7 billion from Congress under the General Appropriations Act.

In addition to RA 12180, Marcos also signed Administrative Order No. 32 creating the National Task Force Kanlaon to respond to volcanic threats in the Negros Island Region following Mount Kanlaon's increasing activity since 2024.