DOST-PHIVOLCS and JICA Join Forces to Strengthen Capacity for Geohazards Monitoring and Information Dissemination

The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) is set to embark on another collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through The Project for Capacity Development for Monitoring and Information Dissemination of Earthquake, Tsunami and Volcano.

To formally ink this partnership and to commemorate the 34th anniversary of the 1990 Magnitude 7.8 Luzon Earthquake considered one of the most destructive earthquakes in the Philippines, the Signing of the Record of Discussions will be held at the PHIVOLCS Auditorium, Quezon City on July 16, 2024, at 2:00 PM. The ceremony will be graced by JICA Chief Representative Takema Sakamoto, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., and DOST-PHIVOLCS Director Teresito C. Bacolcol, highlighting the significance of this partnership in advancing national resilience against natural hazards.

The initiatives aim to enhance the capacity of DOST-PHIVOLCS for earthquake monitoring and tsunami early warning and to ensure that the earthquake, tsunami, and volcano information of DOST-PHIVOLCS is utilized in disaster risk reduction efforts across the Philippines.

“This project will entail a series of comprehensive training programs in the Philippines and master’s courses in Japan that will enable our team to learn from the seasoned experts at JICA and its partner universities and organizations. We deem this as an invaluable knowledge-sharing experience, as it empowers the DOST-PHIVOLCS to implement the best practices from Japan and tailor these to our specific needs,” DOST-PHIVOLCS Director Teresito C. Bacolcol

Scheduled for a three-year duration, the collaboration will leverage JICA’s expertise in earthquake analysis, tide level analysis, tsunami early warning, disaster information communication, and awareness. Overall, the project will contribute to the continuous enhancement of DOST-PHIVOLCS’ ability to provide timely and accurate information for disaster preparedness and response.

The initiative underscores DOST-PHIVOLCS’ commitment to utilizing science-based information and technological advancements for the benefit of Filipinos and aligns with JICA’s mission to support sustainable development through international cooperation. # (PR)