Just days after the recent eruption of the Kanlaon volcano, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) has launched two digital tools to assist disaster managers in monitoring active volcanoes in the country.
Volcan, offers near-real-time visuals, earthquake records, and other scientific data from monitored active volcanoes.
During the last leg of the 2025 Handa Pilipinas: Innovations in Climate and Disaster Resilience Visayas leg, organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through its newly established DOST-Negros Island Region, the DOST-PHIVOLCS launched the Volcano Observation Live Capture Net or VOLCAN and the VolcanoPH Info App at the SMX Convention Center, SM City Bacolod, Negros Occidental.
These digital tools are aimed to enhance the preparedness by providing important data and information on several volcanoes in the country.
Volcan, offers near-real-time visuals, earthquake records, and other scientific data from monitored active volcanoes. It is accessible to the public, especially for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs) and local governments to access vital early-warning information from volcano observatories, aimed at better protecting communities.
Through the app, authorized users can view one-minute camera snapshots of volcanoes and volcanic earthquake records, enabling them to remotely monitor volcanic activity and help disseminate timely safety precautions and warnings.
It is accessible through the PHIVOLCS-LAVA (Local Active Volcanoes Archive)—the standardized database of volcano monitoring data in the Philippines, which has been open to the public since 2015.
In addition, the VolcanoPH Info App was launched alongside VOLCAN. Initially released in 2021 for Android devices, the app is now also available for iOS users.
Daily volcano observation bulletins are accessible through mobile devices, and it is available in both English and Filipino languages.
Users can automatically receive emergency information on eruption bulletins and volcano advisories. In addition to this, weekly volcano status summaries, alert level schemes, bulletin archives, preparedness guides, and a glossary of related terms are available in the app. The app provides timely and important resource information to enhance public awareness and boost the disaster preparedness efforts of the government.
“These innovations demonstrate PHIVOLCS’ dedication to harnessing science and technology for public safety and awareness,” said DOST-PHIVOLCS Director Teresito C. Bacolcol. “By empowering both local authorities and the public with accurate, timely information, we aim to support informed decision-making in times of volcanic events.”
Recently, Kanlaon volcano erupted on October 24, 2025. According to DOST-PHIVOLCS, it was a short-lived, moderately explosive eruption that occurred at the summit crater. There are 24 active volcanoes in the country, and eight of these are being monitored by DOST-PHIVOLCS.
The 2025 Handa Pilipinas: Innovations in Climate and Disaster Resilience is a strategic initiative to promote the various technologies and projects that contribute to the preparedness, prevention, response, and recovery efforts of the government during disasters. It is one of the many initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All. For more information, visit https://handapilipinas.dost.gov.ph
