PHIVOLCS-DOST held a five-day training for the province of Albay on the use of the Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS) software. The training was held at PHIVOLCS Auditorium at Quezon City from September 8 to 12, 2008. The Honorable Joey Sarte Salceda, the Governor of Albay, graced the opening ceremony and gave the inspirational message. PHIVOLCS Director Renato U. Solidum, Jr. gave the welcome remarks. The REDAS software is one of the technologies featured in the “One-Stop Information Shop of Technologies (OSIST)” of the Philippines. REDAS has won First Prize twice in 2005 in the PCIERD-sponsored Search for Outstanding R & D Awardees in Industry and Energy both in the National Capital Region as well as in the National Level competition. The REDAS software was developed by PHIVOLCS scientists. The software generates seismic hazard and risk maps immediately after a potentially-damaging earthquake. The software can also be used for forward modeling of historical earthquake events. As part of PHIVOLCS commitment to the public service, the software with accompanying training is being provided to LGUs free of charge.

4:00 P.M.

This is to notify the public and concerned authorities on the ongoing seismic unrest at Taal Volcano.

The Taal seismic network recorded ten (10) volcanic earthquakes from 5:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. today. Two (2) of these quakes that occurred at 12:33 and 12:46 P.M. were both felt at intensity II by residents at barangay Pira-piraso. These quakes were accompanied by rumbling sounds. The events were located northeast of the volcano island near Daang Kastila area with depths of approximately 0.6km (12:33 P.M.) and 0.8km (12:46 P.M.)