The bicameral conference committee's approval of a bill to modernize the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) is crucial for the calamity-prone Bicol Region, particularly Albay province, home to the active Mayon Volcano.

This, as Albay Second District Representative Joey Salceda -- a principal author of the bill and a member of the bicameral committee – stressed the tremendous benefits his province will receive from the modernization effort.

Once enacted, the Phivolcs modernization will upgrade equipment, increase the number of seismic stations, improve funding, and provide better compensation for staff.

“Phivolcs’ predictions are crucial for disaster risk reduction and preparedness,” Salceda said. “In many ways, Albay, due to Mayon, will forever need a strong Phivolcs.”

Salceda recalled a promise he made years ago to then-Phivolcs head, and current Department of Science and Technology Secretary, Renato Solidum, to deliver on the bill.

“I hope I have made good on my promise,” Salceda said, adding that a modern Phivolcs “will help us get a clearer picture of the dangers we face and can reduce the economic costs of volcanic and seismic activities,” which can be significant.

Salceda cited that during the 1992-1996 period, when volcanic eruptions and seismic activity were particularly damaging in the Philippines, some estimates suggested losses reached $2 billion.  Adjusted for inflation, that figure would be approximately $6.25 billion, or a staggering P343 billion today.

He also pointed to the economic impact of more recent volcanic events.

"The foregone income from Taal (volcano) activity in 2020 alone could have hit as high as P6.6 billion, according to National Economic and Development Authority estimates," Salceda said.

“The Phivolcs modernization proposal also assumes special importance to Negrenses who now experience the deadly threat of Mt. Kanlaon’s eruption,” Salceda added.

With the enactment of the DoST-Phivolcs modernization law, Salceda said the agency will reform its human resource capabilities, enhance equipment and systems, and provide streamlined services that meet international standards.

The information provided by Phivolcs on the activity of volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, and other geotectonic phenomena will enable local government units to better plan and impose restrictions for community safety, he added.