The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) kicked off its 70th anniversary celebration with the “InfoBit@PHIVOLCS 70th year: Kabataan, Handa ang may Alam” webinar for Grades 6-12 learners on 20 June 2022 via Zoom. The activity aimed to increase the participants’ awareness of volcano, earthquake, and tsunami hazards and how to properly mitigate their impacts.

DOST Undersecretary and PHIVOLCS Officer-in-Charge Renato U. Solidum, Jr. shared in his opening message that the youth is one of the most vulnerable sectors in disasters due to their lack of experience with geologic and hydrometeorological hazards. He hoped the webinar will be the beginning of their journey of being disaster-ready individuals.

Ms. Charmaine V. Villamil facilitated the  PHIVOLCS virtual exhibit tour and shared a comprehensive description of what to expect when visiting the Institute’s Main Office in Quezon City. The tour included the 360° view of the 24/7 Data Receiving Centers (DRC) for volcano, earthquake, and tsunami monitoring. Dr. Winchelle Ian G. Sevilla, Ms. Melissa Mae P. Tamayo, and Ms. Robelyn Mangahas-Flores gave lectures on disaster preparedness and mitigation measures for volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis, respectively. All speakers stressed the importance of being disaster-ready and disaster-informed by obtaining information from verified sources.

Dr. Ma. Mylene M. Villegas, Chief Science Research Specialist, and Deputy Director Dr. Teresito C. Bacolcol encouraged the participants to practice whatever they learned from the session. They also emphasized that DOST-PHIVOLCS will always serve as a partner and guide for the youth to be disaster-ready.

The InfoBit was participated in by 60 male and 80 female participants.