DOST-PHIVOLCS held the commemoration of the 1990 M7.8 Luzon Earthquake with the “InfoSentro sa PHIVOLCS” press conference and the launch of GeoMapperPH on 16 July 2020, at 9:00 AM. On its 30th year anniversary, the commemoration was held virtually through Google Meet and Facebook Live as part of the “New Normal” practices during the pandemic.
The event started with DOST Undersecretary and PHIVOLCS Officer-in-charge (OIC) Renato U. Solidum’s opening remarks about the events that transpired during the largest earthquake in Northern Luzon in the past century. Usec. Solidum also recounted all the Disaster Risk Reduction efforts that have transpired in the following years after this event together with some of the programs and activities to mitigate the earthquake impacts and how the national and local government together with communities are preparing. Following Usec. Solidum’s remarks was the Seismological Observations and Earthquake Prediction Division (SOEPD) OIC Ishmael C. Narag. Mr. Narag detailed the seismological event by recalling the state of the country at the time and overall impacts of the earthquake. He was also able to tackle the improvements in the Philippine Seismic Network (PSN) and what to do in case of an earthquake during the COVID19 pandemic.
As a nod to the lessons learned from the 1990 Luzon earthquake, DOST-PHIVOLCS introduced the GeoMapperPH with the help of Supervising Science Research Specialist Mabelline T. Cahulogan. Ms. Cahulogan discussed the purpose and functions of the web-based tool and how technology can improve “elements at risk” data collection and its use in disaster management. Local governments and authorities are encouraged to partner with DOST-PHIVOLCS to be able to access the training and information materials on GeoMapperPH. Accompanying the launch of GeoMapperPH was the updates on the HazardHunterPH. Afterwards, “InfoSentro sa PHIVOLCS” commenced as the resource speakers addressed the live questions from the media and viewers.
One day prior to the July 1990 commemoration event was the InfoBit Webinar on Understanding the DOST-PHIVOLCS Earthquake Information. On 15 July, DOST-PHIVOLCS posted the recorded webinar to educate the public on how earthquake information is communicated to stakeholders. There to share their knowledge of earthquakes and communicating earthquake information were Supervising Science Research Specialist Jeffrey S. Perez and Science Research Assistant Arianne Gail S. Rivera. Afterwards, the speakers hosted a live Q&A dubbed as ASK DOST-PHIVOLCS where the viewers were able to comment on any inquiries they may have on understanding earthquake information.
DOST-PHIVOLCS continues to find ways on how to educate the public on volcano and earthquake information, especially during times of the pandemic. Follow us on social media through facebook.com/PHIVOLCS and twitter.com/phivolcs_dost to keep track of our online events.