Section 8Sec./Art. 8

Component of Modernization. - The PHILVOLCS Modernization Program shall have the following components:

(a) Upgrading and Maintenance of Physical Resources and Operational Standards. - It shall entail the acquisition and/or upgrade of state-of-the-art instruments, equipment, facilities, systems, and operational techniques, with emphasis on volcano, earthquake, and tsunami monitoring and disaster-resilient warning and communication systems: Provided, That prior to such acquisition and/or upgrade, an inventory of existing government volcanological and seismological instruments nationwide shall be undertaken;

(b) Volcano Monitoring Network and Information System Development. - It shall involve sustained development of volcano monitoring networks and observatories for all active volcanoes in the Philippines that will ensure early warning of volcanic activity;

(c) Earthquake Monitoring Network and Information System Development. - It shall entail the establishment, operation, and maintenance of an advanced system for earthquake and tsunami monitoring throughout the Philippines that operates with high performance standards, gathers critical data, and effectively provides information products and services independently and directly to meet the needs of the stakeholders;

(d) Reliable Monitoring. - It shall ensure uninterrupted monitoring of volcanoes, earthquakes, and other related geotectonic phenomena throughout the Philippines, including earthquakes that may precede a volcanic eruption or cause a tsunami, with special focus on regions of moderate to high hazard and risk;

(e) Enhancement of Earthquake Monitoring Network for the Protection or Conservation of the Built Environment. - It shall thoroughly measure strong earthquake shaking at ground sties and in buildings and critical structures, with focus on urban areas and near major active fault zones to gather critical data and information for reducing earthquake impacts on buildings and structures;

(f) Development of Forecasting Capability for Impending Major Earthquakes or Tsunami Events. - It shall develop machine-learned capability to determine earthquake parameters. The resulting information will automatically be broadcast on mobile phones, social media accounts, and other platforms whenever a significant earthquake or tsunami occurs;

(g) Enhancement of Research and Development Facility. - If shall involve the enhancement of research and development facilities including the establishment of state-of-the-art earthquake and volcano research laboratories, focusing on the transdisciplinary approach on the generation of knowledge for the provision of science-based recommendations;

(h) Enhancement of Public Information and Linkages with Local Government Units (LGUs) and Other Stakeholders. - It shall include continuous sharing of information with LGUs and other stakeholders to help in disaster planning, preparation, and disaster mitigation, among others;

(i) Enhancement of Data and Information Dissemination Services. - It shall involve the development of communication strategies to ensure the use of easily understandable local language, non-technical terms, and familiar graphical presentations, in combination with science-based information that will ensure the delivery of accurate, updated, and timely earthquake-, tsunami-, and volcano-related information to create greater public awareness and draw appropriate response for disaster risk reduction: Provided, That the PHILVOLCS shall partner with the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), various Sentro ng Wika at Kultura institutions, Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), and other rights-based organizations for the development or enhancement of socially inclusive products.

The PHILVOLCS shall collaborate with public and private organizations to effectively disseminate data and products;

(j) Strengthening of the Human Resource Development Program (HRDP). - The HRDP shall be aligned with PHILVOLCS strategic goals. The PHILVOLCS, in consultation with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), shall create new plantilla positions. The HRDP shall likewise ensure that personnel have access to equal opportunities for continuous learning to be competent, motivated, and rewarded.

It shall prioritize the complementation and capacity building of a wide range of experts in volcanology, seismology, engineering, information technology, communication, social and other related sciences to efficiently develop, operate, and maintain advanced monitoring systems and distill and communicate accurate volcanic, earthquake, and tsunami information for public guidance. Support for continued professional learning shall ensure skills development and motivation that will translate to better S&T services;

(k) Provision of Risk Information. - This involves the sharing of risk information with LGUs and other stakeholders in disaster planning, preparation, mitigation, and risk transfer, among others, to provide social and economic protection and increase resilience in times of disaster;

(l) International Cooperation. - It shall enhance interaction and cooperation with the international community and ensure that the Philippines has official representation in the geoscientific community;

(m) PHILVOLCS Hazards and Risk Information Platforms. - The PHILVOCS shall exert sustained efforts to collaborate and align with LGUs, including on platforms for information sharing and monitoring, so that the agency's hazards and risk information systems, such as GeoRiskPH and Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS) platforms, can be updated regularly for disaster planning, preparation, disaster mitigation, among others; and

(n) Establishment of Permanent PHILVOLCS Main Office Building and Facilities. - This includes land acquisition for the Data Receiving /Operation Centers for real-time volcano, earthquake, and tsunami monitoring, among other. This shall ensure the stability and protection of government investments in scientific, technical equipment, and research laboratories.