Manila: The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-Phivolcs) have teamed up to integrate scientific data into energy planning.

According to Philippines News Agency, Energy Undersecretary and Task Force on Energy Resiliency Chair Felix William Fuentebella emphasized the importance of energy resilience, stating that it is only as strong as its weakest link. This collaboration was formalized with the signing of a memorandum of agreement on Tuesday, which aims to integrate Phivolcs’ GeoRiskPH platform with DOE’s Energy Disaster Information Management System (EDIMS). The GeoRiskPH platform provides comprehensive hazard maps, risk profiles, and exposure data, while EDIMS offers real-time disaster monitoring capabilities.

Fuentebella highlighted the significance of integrating scientific data into resilience planning to enhance the reliability of power and fuel in the Philippines, especially in the face of climate change. This partnership with DOST-Phivolcs is seen as a step towards creating a safer and more secure energy infrastructure in the country, ensuring that energy remains a reliable and sustainable resource for all Filipinos.

The two agencies have a history of collaboration, having previously worked together in 2018 on the Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS). This initiative was focused on providing fast damage analysis to minimize downtime and economic losses following seismic events.

Fuentebella further reiterated the commitment to delivering reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy to Filipino households, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a ‘Bagong Pilipinas’. This partnership is seen as a move towards empowering communities and ensuring a sustainable energy future for the nation.