Phivolcs unveils mobile app for 'easy-to-read' volcano information

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Monday, June 21, released a new mobile application to enable the public to have easy access to its latest volcano bulletins and advisories.
The "VolcanoPH Info" mobile app provides an abridged and visually appealing information to help mobile app users understand the current volcano status, and more importantly, identify the necessary preparedness and response actions for their safety.
"We aim to provide the users with more user-friendly and easy-to-read volcano bulletins and issuances. It is also important that the essential information will be able to reach them immediately," said Science and Technology Undersecretary and Phivolcs OIC Renato Solidum Jr.
"Through this platform, we will be able to reach our clients better and faster. This also helps our vision to ensure public safety from volcanic hazards. By having the right information, they will have their correct decision," he added.
After downloading the app, Android device users can select from the list of volcanoes with alert levels on the homepage.
Solidum said the first version of the app will include data only for volcanoes at Alert Level 1 and above, which include Bulusan, Kanlaon, Mayon, Taal, and Pinatubo.
After clicking on a particular volcano, they will be provided with a summary of the 24-hour observation period containing the alert level, monitoring parameters, and recommendations in the Filipino language.
They can view the volcanic earthquakes for the past two weeks, and access volcano advisories and additional information such as alert level scheme, bulletin archive, volcano hazard maps, volcano preparedness guide, and glossary of terms.
Phivolcs said that future developments of the app include the English language setting and iOS version.
The mobile app was launched during Phivolcs' 69th founding anniversary celebration on June 21.
"In our Institute’s 69th year of public service, we will continue to conduct research, monitor and develop technological innovations to keep our communities resilient to volcanic eruptions," Solidum said.
"This launch of the VolcanoPH Info app is just one of a series (of activities) heading into Phivolcs' 70th anniversary celebration," he added.