Section 2Sec./Art. 2

Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to utilize scientific and technical knowledge and information as effective instruments to ensure the safety, well-being, and economic security of the people; safeguard the environment; and promote national progress and sustainable socio-economic development through various applications of geosciences and allied sciences. The State adheres to existing treaties and international agreements on geologic activities to which the Philippines is a signatory, to ensure international cooperation, peace and security. The State recognizes the need to strengthen the capability of government personnel tasked to monitor volcanic and seismological activities, perform related services, and provided adequate and timely information to the public.

Towards this end, the State shall undertake the modernization of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOLCS) to improve its technological operational capacity; strengthen its role as the principal authority mandated to mitigate hazards of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, and other related geotectonic phenomena through reliable and accurate detection, forecast, and warning systems; and to attain its vision as a center of excellence for geotectonic information services.