BUTUAN CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) convened the media and the information officers from the different regions of the country during the InfoPress via Zoom platform. This is to promote science communication and update the media and the public on the science of volcanoes.

DOST Usec. Renato Solidum, OIC-PHIVOLCS, emphasized the need to have a better understanding of the science of volcanoes and the right/appropriate measures/response to be undertaken during volcanic activity.

He also expressed gratitude to the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) for facilitating the InfoPress with participating media and information officers from the different regions of the country.

Solidum also thanked all the media and information officers for their active participation and reiterated that the media play a vital role in inculcating to the minds of the people the right information about the volcanic eruption and how they would be able to survive from it.

He added that the media have been a constant partner of DOST-PHIVOLCS in disseminating factual and reliable information to the public and in promoting the agency's advocacy and IEC materials. "Should you need any other information, you may visit the DOST-PHIVOLCS website," added Solidum.

Ma. Antonia Bornas of DOST-PHIVOLCS discussed thoroughly the science of volcanoes including its classification. "A volcano is a vent, hill, or mountain which molten or hot rocks with gaseous material have been ejected. In the country, there are 300 volcanoes wherein most are inactive and 24 are considered active," she cited.

Winchelle Ian Sevilla of DOST-PHIVOLCS also elaborated that the public should rely only on information materials about volcanoes that are science-based. “We should avoid reading and sharing fake news. This will only give us wrong concepts, perspectives on things like this that we need to know about,” he bared.

Sevilla also encouraged everyone to download the DOST-PHIVOLCS mobile application to learn more about safety tips during any disaster. In her closing message, Dir. Ma. Florinda Princess Duque of PCOO highlighted that the PCOO with all its attached agencies will continue to share and disseminate relevant information and updates from DOST-PHIVOLCS to make the general public well informed and alert citizens. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)