By Liza Soriano
MANILA — The Senate is committed to expediting the passage of the proposal aimed at modernizing the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
This urgency comes in the wake of significant earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in the country.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Chair of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, has confirmed that the committee has completed its hearings.
The proposal is currently under review by the technical working group (TWG) and is set to be promptly presented to the Senate plenary.
Senator Cayetano offered this assurance to Phivolcs’ Teresito Bacolcol after she emphasized the need for modernization within the next five years.
During the hearings, Bacolcol highlighted the necessity for modernization funds to acquire equipment for monitoring volcanic eruptions, and potential tsunamis, and identifying earthquake-prone areas.
Bacolcol pointed out that, presently, there are 24 active volcanoes in the country, with only 10 under monitoring, and only Taal and Mayon equipped with complete monitoring instruments.
Earlier, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off the coast of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur.
Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Caraga director Liza Mazo said Monday the death toll of the 7.4 temblor claimed two lives and nine were reported to have sustained injuries but not in critical condition.
(ai/mnm)