Section 10Sec./Art. 10

Collaboration or Linkages with LGUs. - The PHILVOLCS shall develop and strengthen collaboration with LGUs to cover the following areas:

(a) Disaster Risk Mitigation. - In the implementation of the National Building Code of the Philippines and its implementing rules and regulations, the PHILVOLCS shall closely collaborate with LGUs to ensure that its geohazard maps and other research outputs are incorporated in the disaster risk mitigation plans such as the Comprehensive Land Use Plan;

(b) Public Intermediary. - The local government, national and local news media, and the emergency management community shall act as intermediaries between PHILVOLCS and the general public, institutional decision makers, and emergency responder in crafting plans attuned to the local needs of its constituents, to increase public resilience to earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions; reduce or eliminate long-term risk to human life and property; and shorten recovery periods based on risk assessments;

(c) Information Dissemination. - The PHILVOLCS shall work closely with the national and local disaster agencies to craft appropriate information messages, regularly test and evaluate their dissemination communication channels, and help identify gaps and dissemination problems, to ensure that accurate information on volcanic unrest, earthquake, tsunami, and related hazard reach the intended users in a timely manner;

(d) Awareness and Promotion. - The PHILVOLCS shall encourage the LGUs and other stakeholders to promote their own interfaces with the enhanced PHIVOLCS service in local and international recognition programs, to help expand the coverage and benefits to the public. In collaboration with the PHILVOLCS, a regular public education and awareness campaign on the hazards of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, and disaster risk reduction procedures shall be designed and implemented by the LGUs concerned, considering the special needs of different communities, such as the marginalized, indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities.

Information on volcanic, seismic, tsunami risks, and measures taken in case a threat of a hazard is present in the area, shall be simplified and made available in a commonly understood local language or dialect;

(e) Data Inputs and Exchange. - The PHILVOLCS shall enlist the contribution of LGUs in reviewing local research and updating information used in the DRRM to ensure that the exposure database of PHILVOLCS is updated and the LGU is kept abreast with the latest information to ensure readiness so that appropriate guidelines are consistently crafted and local support infrastructure to the enhanced PHILVOLCS systems are funded; and

(f) Other Assistance. - The PHILVOLCS shall seek the assistance of the LGUs in the identification and acquisition of lands under their jurisdiction where new PHILVOLCS offices and/or stations for equipment shall be established.