Phivolcs chief is new DOST exec for disaster reduction

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Renato Solidum was appointed to the newly created post of undersecretary for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation post at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Solidum, who was sworn in to his new post on Monday, will continue to serve as officer-in-charge of Phivolcs, according to Science Secretary Fortunato de la Peña.

De la Peña said the new post will streamline the operations of the department on matters involving climate change and disaster risk reduction.

“There are a lot of inter-agency meetings that require participation of high-level officials (from DOST)… I thought it was prudent to appoint an undersecretary who have extensive knowledge on these issues,” De la Peña told The STAR in a phone interview.

He will also supervise the operations of Phivolcs and the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

Solidum is credited for initiating projects such as the improved volcano monitoring system, tsunami warning system, earthquake monitoring system, and the rapid earthquake assessment system.