Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology

Can you feel the ground beneath your feet? It’s a constant reminder of the powerful forces at work beneath the surface, forces that the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) diligently monitors. Right here, at this unassuming building on C.P. Garcia Avenue, in the University of the Philippines Diliman campus, Quezon City, scientists work around the clock to keep the Philippines safe from volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology was officially established on September 17, 1982. However, its roots go much deeper, tracing back to the early 20th century and the Philippine Weather Bureau. That bureau, established in 1901, handled earthquake monitoring and maintained the country’s early earthquake catalogues. It later evolved into PAGASA, which included a twelve-station earthquake monitoring network. A pivotal moment in the history of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology came with the eruption of Mount Hibok-Hibok in 1951. The resulting devastation led to the creation of the Commission on Volcanology (COMVOL) in 1952. Over time, COMVOL transformed, eventually merging with the seismological arm of PAGASA to become the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology as we know it today. In 1991, PHIVOLCS, alongside the United States Geological Survey, played a crucial role in predicting the Mount Pinatubo eruption. Their accurate forecast allowed for timely evacuations, saving countless lives. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology doesn’t just monitor; it classifies volcanoes as active, potentially active, or inactive based on a range of factors. These factors include eruption history, geological age, seismic activity, and even local folklore. So, as you stand here, before the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, remember that you are standing at the forefront of disaster preparedness in the Philippines. This institution’s dedication and tireless work helps protect lives and property in a nation constantly facing the raw power of nature.