Tagum City, Davao del Norte – In a move to bolster earthquake monitoring capabilities in Southern Mindanao, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) inaugurated the first seismic station in Davao del Norte on Monday.
Located inside the Energy Park in Barangay Apokon, Tagum City, the new facility marks the 125th seismic station in the country. This expansion forms part of DOST-PHIVOLCS’ strategic efforts to enhance its ability to detect and analyze seismic events with greater speed and accuracy, particularly in the Davao Region, which lies within a seismically active zone.
The seismic station will play a crucial role in providing real-time earthquake data to key decision-makers, emergency responders, and the general public, enabling quicker and more informed responses during seismic events.
The blessing and inauguration ceremony was personally led by DOST-PHIVOLCS Director Teresito C. Bacolcol. He was joined by Provincial Science and Technology Director Judy Donna D. Nueva Ecija, Davao del Norte PDRRMO Operations and Warning Division Chief Eric Rosillo, Tagum City Administrator Edgar de Guzman, City DRRMO Head Sheldon Isidoro, and other local disaster risk management personnel.
In his message, Director Bacolcol emphasized the importance of localized seismic monitoring, noting that “every additional station brings us closer to achieving safer and more resilient communities, especially in regions vulnerable to earthquakes.”
The local government of Tagum City welcomed the development, viewing it as a vital investment in the safety and preparedness of the province.
The newly inaugurated seismic station is expected to significantly improve the resolution and coverage of earthquake data in the region, ensuring that Davao del Norte and its neighboring provinces are better equipped for disaster preparedness and risk reduction.