DOST–PHIVOLCS Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology

History and Founding

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) traces its origins to the devastating eruption of Mount Hibok-Hibok in December 1951, which led the Philippine government to create the Commission on Volcanology (COMVOL) on June 20, 1952, through Republic Act No. 766. In 1982, Executive Order No. 784 restructured COMVOL into the Philippine Institute of Volcanology (PHIVOLC). On September 17, 1984, the seismological functions of PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) were transferred to PHIVOLC, which was renamed PHIVOLCS. With Executive Order No. 128 in 1987, PHIVOLCS became an agency of the newly reorganized Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Its present headquarters are at the PHIVOLCS Building, C.P. Garcia Avenue, University of the Philippines Campus, Diliman, Quezon City.

Collections and Holdings

PHIVOLCS maintains extensive scientific archives including earthquake catalogues, volcano monitoring records, seismological network data, and hazard maps for the Philippines. Its historical earthquake catalogue dates to records inherited from the Manila Observatory. The institute maintains databases of eruption histories, ground deformation data, and geochemical monitoring records for active Philippine volcanoes. PHIVOLCS also preserves the GeoRiskPH platform, which integrates GIS-based geohazard data for disaster risk reduction.

Notable Materials Related to Journalism and Media

As the primary source of official volcanic and seismic alerts in the Philippines, PHIVOLCS is extensively covered by Philippine media and issues regular public bulletins, press releases, and advisories. Its archived bulletins from events such as the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption represent crucial primary source documentation for the history of natural disasters in the Philippines.

Access and Usage

PHIVOLCS data, bulletins, and hazard maps are available online at phivolcs.dost.gov.ph. The institute provides advisory services, public outreach programs, community drills, and educational materials on volcanic, seismic, and tsunami hazards. It collaborates with international partners including the United States Geological Survey (USGS).