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 recently.
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 Marcos Jr., who officially signed the law recently.
The measure is based on Senate Bill No. 2825, which Cayetano sponsored and defended on the Senate floor.
“My deepest gratitude to everyone who made this possible.”
The veteran legislator 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,” the seasoned lawmaker said.
The law will empower PHIVOLCS by modernizing its equipment, expanding its monitoring network, and increasing its pool of technical experts.
“It gives everyone a framework to follow.”
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,” the senator stressed.
“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.
