Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol (PNA file photo)
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) is set to establish a sea level monitoring station (SLMS) in Ternate, Cavite, in collaboration with a private entity. This facility will be the 30th SLMS in the country and the first in Ternate, enhancing the nation’s capacity for tsunami detection and early warning.
Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol emphasized the critical role of an SLMS in monitoring changes in sea levels. This allows scientists to detect potential tsunamis and issue timely warnings to protect coastal communities.
“The data from an SLMS is essential in issuing early warnings and minimizing risks in tsunami-prone areas,” Bacolcol told the Philippine News Agency on Friday.
The station will be built at the Caylabne Bay Resort and Marina, which has volunteered an area free of charge to host the monitoring facility. The location was strategically chosen due to its proximity to the Manila Trench, a major underwater fault that could generate powerful tsunamis.
Bacolcol acknowledged the budget constraints that limit the expansion of Phivolcs’ SLMS network.
“We don’t have a specific budget for these stations, so we typically set them up in port areas of local government units (LGUs) where space is provided for free,” he explained.
Despite this, Phivolcs remains committed to expanding its sea level monitoring network, recognizing the urgent need for at least 50 SLMS stations nationwide to monitor coastal hazards effectively.
A memorandum of agreement between Phivolcs and Caylabne Bay Resort and Marina was signed on Friday, officially marking the start of the project. Construction is expected to be completed within four months, significantly enhancing the country’s tsunami early warning capabilities.
As the Philippines remains highly vulnerable to seismic activity and ocean-driven disasters, Phivolcs continues to work toward strengthening disaster preparedness and response efforts through improved monitoring infrastructure and public-private partnerships.