(Screengrab from Phivolcs' Facebook page)
MANILA – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) launched on Monday the VolcanoPH Info mobile application, which would give Android users easy-to-read updates on the status of the country's active volcanoes.
"This is an efficient way of providing information directly to the users. Because most of the time, they rely on Phivolcs website, or on the advisories from the NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council)," said Phivolcs director Renato Solidum Jr. in a virtual presser.
The app, he said, will also serve as the public's reference to fact-check fake information, especially those that mimic Phivolcs issuances.
"Fake information is rampant on social media. Having this app aims to ensure public safety from volcanic hazards,” Solidum said.
Essential information is laid out and wordiness is avoided in the app. It also uses infographics, which helps communicate information more effectively, he added.
He said the volcano bulletins, advisories, and updates on the app are easy-to-read.
For the first version of the app, only the data of volcanoes at Alert Level 1 and above can be viewed. Volcanoes that are currently at unrest are Bulusan, Kanlaon, Mayon, Taal, and Pinatubo.
"Probably we could later monitor other volcanoes such as Hibok-Hibok, Matutum, Parker, Iriga, and Isarog," he said.
According to Phivolcs, an iOS version of the app can also be expected later.
Meanwhile, Solidum said launching the app is just one of the series of projects that Phivolcs is preparing as it gears for its 70th anniversary next year.
Monday's launching was part of the celebrations of Phivolcs' 69th founding anniversary. (PNA)
