Malacañang holds ceremony for Cayetano-led PHIVOLCS Modernization Law

The PHIVOLCS Modernization Act of 2025 (RA No. 12180), championed by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, was brought to the forefront during the presentation of newly enacted laws at Malacañang Palace on Thursday, May 22.

The event was attended by officials from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), and members of Congress.

It also has the full support of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., who officially signed the law on April 24, 2025.

The measure is based on Senate Bill No. 2825, which Cayetano sponsored and defended on the Senate floor.

Cayetano expressed his full support for the measure and thanked everyone who helped make the law a reality.

"My deepest gratitude to everyone who made this possible. This law will fill the gaps in our disaster monitoring systems and help Filipinos become more prepared when calamities strike," Cayetano said.

The law will empower PHIVOLCS by modernizing its equipment, expanding its monitoring network, and increasing its pool of technical experts.

One of the law's key upgrades includes installing seismic monitoring systems in all 24 active volcanoes in the country, up from just 10 previously. The number of earthquake monitoring stations will also be expanded from 125 to 300.

"By modernizing PHIVOLCS, we are making a bold move to ensure that science and innovation are at the heart of our disaster response and preparedness," Cayetano said.

"This law doesn't just call for a master plan, but sets clear national policy. It gives everyone a framework to follow. Mas magiging handa na tayo," he added.

PHIVOLCS Modernization Law ni Cayetano, tampok sa Palasyo

Itinampok sa presentation ng newly enacted laws sa Malacañang Palace nitong Huwebes, May 22, 2025, ang PHIVOLCS Modernization Act of 2025 (Republic Act No. 12180) na isinulong ni Senador Alan Peter Cayetano.

Dinaluhan ang seremonya ng mga opisyal mula sa Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), at ilang miyembro ng Kongreso.

Buo rin ang suporta ni Pangulong Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. sa batas na opisyal niyang pinirmahan noong April 24, 2025.

Nakabatay ang bagong batas sa Senate Bill No. 2825 na inihain at ipinaglaban ni Cayetano sa Senado.

Inihayag ni Cayetano ang kanyang buong suporta at pasasalamat sa lahat ng tumulong para maisabatas ito.

"My deepest gratitude to everyone who made this possible. This law will fill the gaps in our disaster monitoring systems and help Filipinos become more prepared when calamities strike," wika ng senador.

Layunin ng batas na palakasin ang kakayahan ng PHIVOLCS sa pamamagitan ng modernisasyon ng kanilang mga kagamitan, pagpapalawak ng monitoring network, at pagdagdag ng mga eksperto sa kanilang hanay.

Isa sa mga pangunahing bahagi ng batas ang paglalagay ng seismic monitoring systems sa lahat ng 24 na aktibong bulkan sa bansa, mula sa dating sampu (10) lamang. Palalawakin din ang earthquake monitoring stations mula 125 tungo sa 300.

"By modernizing PHIVOLCS, we are making a bold move to ensure that science and innovation are at the heart of our disaster response and preparedness," wika ni Cayetano.

"This law doesn't just call for a master plan, but sets clear national policy. It gives everyone a framework to follow. Mas magiging handa na tayo," dagdag niya.