Press Release
January 15, 2025

Senate gives final nod to PHIVOLCS Modernization Bill championed by Cayetano

Senate approves PHIVOLCS Modernization Bill on Final Reading

The Senate showed its full support for the PHIVOLCS Modernization Act (Senate Bill No. 2825), sponsored by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.

With 23 affirmative votes, the bill was approved on its Third and Final Reading on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

In his sponsorship speech in December 2024, Cayetano emphasized the urgent need to modernize the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to enhance the country's disaster preparedness.

"Ang Pilipinas kasi isa sa pinaka-vulnerable [when it comes to disasters caused by natural hazards]. That's what this modernization bill is about. How we can mitigate disasters, risks, how we can prepare, and how we can also take care of our nature better," he said.

The bill aims to better equip PHIVOLCS to effectively perform its functions and contribute to closing the gaps in the country's disaster response and preparedness.

It includes upgrading PHIVOLCS' equipment, increasing the number of seismic stations, and ensuring better salaries and training for its personnel.

Following the passage of the bill on its final reading, senators expressed strong support for the measure, recognizing its critical role in strengthening the country's disaster response and preparedness.

Senator Joel Villanueva took the Senate floor to thank Cayetano for his leadership in advancing the bill.

"We extend our thanks to Senator Alan Peter Cayetano for his leadership in pushing for this critical measure. We voted 'Yes' to this measure to make sure that PHIVOLCS is equipped with the equipment, technology, and personnel needed for timely and accurate disaster data collection," Villanueva said.

Before the sine die adjournment last year, Cayetano repeatedly pointed out the broader implications of the modernization bill stating that it is just one part of a larger effort to keep the Philippines and its people safe.


Senado, inaprubahan sa final reading ang PHIVOLCS Modernization Bill na isinulong ni Cayetano

Ipinakita ng Senado ang buong suporta sa PHIVOLCS Modernization Act (Senate Bill No. 2825) na isinulong ni Senador Alan Peter Cayetano. Nakakuha ito ng 23 boto mula sa mga senador at naipasa sa Third and Final reading nitong Martes, January 14, 2025.

Sa kanyang sponsorship speech noong December 2024, binigyang diin ni Cayetano ang kahalagahan ng pagpapabuti sa Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) upang mapalakas ang kahandaan ng bansa sa mga sakuna.

"Ang Pilipinas kasi isa sa pinaka-vulnerable [when it comes to disasters caused by natural hazards]. That's what this modernization bill is about. How we can mitigate disasters, risks, how we can prepare, and how we can also take care of our nature better," wika ni Cayetano.

Layunin ng panukala na mas mapalakas ang PHIVOLCS upang magampanan ng ahensya ang mga tungkulin nito at matulungan ang bansa sa pagpapabuti ng kahandaan at pagtugon sa mga sakuna.

Kasama sa mga plano ang pagpapabuti ng mga kagamitan ng PHIVOLCS, pagpaparami ng mga seismic station, at pagpapataas ng sahod at pagsasanay para sa mga tauhan nito.

Matapos ang pag-apruba ng panukala sa final reading, ipinahayag ng mga senador ang kanilang suporta para sa hakbang na ito. Kinilala rin nila ang mahalagang papel nito sa pagpapalakas ng disaster response at preparedness ng bansa.

Nagpasalamat naman si Senator Joel Villanueva kay Cayetano sa kanyang pamumuno sa pagsusulong ng panukala.

"We extend our thanks to Senator Alan Peter Cayetano for his leadership in pushing for this critical measure. We voted 'Yes' to this measure to make sure that PHIVOLCS is equipped with the equipment, technology, and personnel needed for timely and accurate disaster data collection," sabi ni Villanueva.

Bago magtapos ang sesyon noong nakaraang taon, paulit-ulit na binanggit ni Cayetano ang mas malawak na layunin ng modernization bill, na isang bahagi lamang ng mas malaking hakbang para mapanatiling ligtas ang Pilipinas at ang mga mamamayan nito.

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