In partnership with the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) conducted the PHIVOLCS InfoPress: Understanding the Science of Earthquake to capacitate media practitioners and government information officers with essential knowledge in reporting earthquake events and disaster risk reduction initiatives. The webinar was held on 09 March 2021 via Zoom.

PHIVOLCS Officer-in-Charge Usec. Renato U. Solidum welcomed the participants from the DOST- Science and Technology Institute (STII), PCOO, Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine News Agency (PNA), IBC 13, People’s Television Network (PTV), and Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

Mr. Jeffrey Perez discussed the basic earthquake concepts and emphasized the use of correct terminologies such as fault, magnitude, and intensity which is vital in news reporting. Ms. Joan Salcedo explained the PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS) and how this can be used to determine the proper immediate actions during and after an earthquake. She reiterated the importance of structural integrity to ensure earthquake safety. Ms. Arianne Gail  Rivera talked about how the agency monitors earthquakes and disseminates important data through the DOST-PHIVOLCS Earthquake and Tsunami Information. PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar graced the event with a recorded closing remarks.

Supervising Science Research Specialist Mr. Jeffrey Perez demonstrates ground rupture

Through PHIVOLCS InfoPress, DOST-PHIVOLCS aims to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the messages being relayed to the public to help them make informed decisions during emergencies.