Pasay City - The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) took part in the 2024 Handa Pilipinas: Innovations in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Management Exposition at Senate of the Philippines on March 4-7, 2024.
On March 5, 2024, DOST-PHIVOLCS conducted lectures at the MAGHANDA: Communicating Hazards, Risks, and Early Warning Forum for Policymakers. Mr. Jeffrey Perez, Supervising Science Research Specialist (SRS), elaborated on Understanding Geological Hazards, Earthquake Scenarios in Luzon, and the PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale. He discussed in-depth the West Valley Fault and its potential impact in Metro Manila to encourage the participants to be aware and to prepare in case of a large earthquake. He also reiterated the importance of proper construction practices.
PHIVOLCS Senior SRS Ms. Charmaine Villamil explained the possible Tsunami Scenario in Metro Manila and highlighted the natural signs of an impending local tsunami, which is “Shake, Drop, Roar”, a strong earthquake, sudden sea level change, and roaring sound of incoming waves. She also discussed volcanic hazards and the different Volcano Alert Levels.
Mr. John Harold Tabuzo, Information Technology Officer, encouraged everyone to use the HazardHunterPH and PHIVOLCS Website to access correct and accurate information. In his closing message, Atty. Renato Bantung, Jr., Senate Secretary, attested to the usability of the HazardHunterPH in learning the geological hazards that his home is exposed to, and promoted the app to his colleagues.
The Exposition proper ran from March 4-7, 2024. DOST-PHIVOLCS, along with DOST-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), also exhibited DRR innovations and technologies at the Senate of the Philippines. DOST-PHIVOLCS showcased its HazardHunterPH App, How Safe Is My House App, Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS), and Earthquake Simulator.
