In partnership with the House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), DOST-PHIVOLCS conducted a 2-day Infobit webinar series entitled “Earthquake, Tsunami, and Volcanic Eruption Preparedness,” for the House of Representatives on 14-15  October 2020.

For the first day, DOST Undersecretary and PHIVOLCS Officer-in-Charge Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr discussed the geologic hazards that affected the country and warned that it may happen again. He also emphasized the need for preparedness based on scenarios and strict implementation of the Building Code. Forty-three (43)  participants from more than 16 committees and offices including  Committee on Secretaries - Committee on Science and Technology, Committee on Human Rights, Committee on Games and Amusements, Committee on Housing and Urban Development, Committee on Southern Tagalog Development, Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reform, Committee on Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources, Committee on Agrarian Reform, Special Committee on Reforestation, Committee on Energy, Committee on Climate Change, Committee on Health, Committee on Women and Gender Equality, Committee on Cooperatives Development, Office of the Deputy Secretary General, Committee on Muslim Affairs, Committee on Civil Service and Professional Regulation, Committee on Land Use, Committee on Banks,  Office of Cong. Salceda, and Pasig City Parole and Probation Office attended the event. Some even expressed their interest to have a webinar specifically for their committees.

Day 2 of the webinar focused on “Innovations for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation” held on 15 October 2020. Ms. Mabelline T. Cahulogan and Dr. Ma. Leonilla P. Bautista discussed GeoRisk Philippines initiatives and Rapid Earthquake Assessment System (REDAS) software respectively, and how these innovations help the country in risk assessment and preparedness. The webinar series was held via Zoom and posted on DOST-PHIVOLCS’ Facebook page.