DOST-PHIVOLCS establishes the Visayas Cluster Monitoring Center for Earthquake and Tsunami in San Fernando, Cebu

The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) will officially inaugurate the PHIVOLCS Visayas Cluster Monitoring Center for Earthquake and Tsunami (PVCMCET) on 10 May 2024 at 8:30 AM at PVCMCET, Purok 11-Santan, Brgy. North Poblacion, San Fernando, Cebu. The PVCMCET is a strategic state-of-the-art facility to ensure service continuity of DOST-PHIVOLCS national earthquake and tsunami monitoring operations in cases of major disruptions in key operations of the PHIVOLCS Data Receiving Center (DRC) in Quezon City.

PVCMCET features near real-time display and monitoring of earthquake and tsunami using data from the Philippine Seismic Network (PSN). Currently, DOST-PHIVOLCS has 125 seismic stations with upgraded computer systems for data acquisition and processing, newly installed tools for decision support, mapping, and information dissemination that are capable of near real-time streaming of seismic waveforms and real-time instrumental intensity reporting. The Visayas cluster center is comprised of nine (9) staff-controlled seismic stations, 25 satellite-telemetered seismic stations, six (6) sea level monitoring stations for tsunami detection, and seven (7) community tsunami alerting stations.

The new PVCMCET is a testament to our vision of disaster resilience and community resilience from earthquakes and tsunamis. It will also serve as the epicenter of collaboration among national and local government units, the academe, and non-government organizations in the region.

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. and DOST-PHIVOLCS Director Teresito C.Bacolcol will lead the inauguration and ribbon-cutting ceremony, together with distinguished guests from Region VII offices and stations. A press conference, InfoSentro sa PHIVOLCS, will be held right after the ceremony.

DOST-PHIVOLCS is the Philippine government agency engaging in disaster management, committed to mitigating the negative impacts of volcano, earthquake, and tsunami hazards and promoting resilience in vulnerable communities through innovative solutions. (PR)