THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) will be launching a mobile app called “VolcanoPH Info” designed to give the public access from their android devices about the latest volcano bulletins and advisories.
According to Department of Science and Technology (DoST) Undersecretary Renato Solidum Jr., the new mobile app will be formally introduced on Monday in time for the celebration of Phivolcs’ 69th founding anniversary.
“The abridged and visually appealing information on the app will help the users understand the current volcano status, and more importantly, identify the necessary preparedness and response actions for their safety,” said Solidum, Phivolcs’ chief.
“We aim to provide the users with accessible and easy-to-read information and through this platform, we will be able to reach our clients better and faster,” he added.
Phivolcs said users can select from the list of volcanoes with alert levels on the homepage.
After clicking on a particular volcano, they will be provided with the summary of the 24-hour observation period containing the alert level, monitoring parameters, and recommendations in Filipino.
They can read information about the volcanic-generated earthquakes for the past two weeks, and access advisories and additional information such as alert level scheme, bulletin archive, volcano hazard maps, volcano preparedness guide, and glossary of terms, it said.
Future developments of the app include an English language setting and iOS version, Phivolcs said.
The Hibok-Hibok Volcano eruption in 1951 led to the creation of the Commission on Volcanology (Comvol) through the enactment of Republic Act 766 on 20 June 1952.
In 1982, Comvol was restructured and renamed to Philippine Institute of Volcanology (Phivolc).
Two years later, the mandate of earthquake monitoring was transferred from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) to Phivolc.
The latter became Phivolcs to include ‘seismology or science of earthquakes, the Phivolcs chief explained.
“In our Institute’s 69th year of public service, we will continue to conduct research, monitor and develop technological innovations to keep our communities resilient to volcanic eruptions,” Solidum pledged.
