On 23 February 2021, the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS), in partnership with the Municipality of Tanay, Rizal inaugurated its 100th Strong Motion Station as part of the expansion of the Philippine Strong Motion Network (PSMNet).

DOST Undersecretary and PHIVOLCS Officer-in-Charge Renato Solidum, Jr. emphasized the importance of this partnership with the local government. He said, “disaster is essentially man-made. We can do something about it. Our frontliner for disaster risk reduction, response, and recovery are our Local Government Units.”

The PSMNet, which started in 1992 with only four (4) strong-motion instruments, two(2) of which were installed in Metro Manila, helps characterize the type of material underneath the ground. It will provide a site-specific response to the ground during an earthquake and is needed for the proper design of earthquake-resistant buildings and infrastructure. These specialized stations are vital for research, monitoring, and disaster risk reduction.

Tanay Municipal Mayor Rex Manuel Tanjuatco recognized that the presence of the strong motion station in Tanay will provide the municipality seismic data “which is necessary for the development of major infrastructures in the near future.”

The inauguration was held simultaneously via Zoom and at Tanay Municipal Hall, Rizal Province.