The Department of Energy (DOE) has partnered with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to enhance energy security and disaster readiness, minimize disruptions, and build a resilient energy system.
The DOE and Phivolcs will focus on improving the use of disaster-related scientific data and integrating them into energy planning, the agencies said in a joint statement on Wednesday, August 13.
The DOE and Phivolcs signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Tuesday, August 12, specifically to integrate Phivolcs’ GeoRiskPH geohazard platform with the DOE’s Energy Disaster Information Management System (EDIMS).
The agencies said the integration will combine GeoRiskPH’s comprehensive hazard maps, risk profiles, and exposure data with EDIMS’ real-time disaster monitoring capabilities to enhance the government’s capacity to assess risks and respond swiftly to energy-related emergencies.
The MOA, signed by DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella and Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol, formalized the two agencies’ partnership to expedite and target responses to energy emergencies by quickly identifying hazards near critical infrastructure.
The two agencies added that they will produce an enhanced risk mapping that will guide strategic investments, support resilient designs, enhance public safety, improve coordination, and enable more innovative infrastructure planning to address the energy sector’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
“Our energy resilience is only as strong as its weakest link… Integrating robust scientific data into our resilience planning is paramount to improving the reliability of power and fuel for Filipinos, especially as climate change intensifies. Together with Phivolcs, we are forging a path towards a safer, more secure Philippines, where energy remains a reliable, sustainable, and safe lifeline for all,” Fuentebella said.
The DOE said that in 2018, it partnered with Phivolcs for the Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System, which equipped the government with swift damage analysis capabilities to reduce downtime and economic losses after seismic events.
