MANILA: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will help boost the capacity of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) in earthquake and tsunami analysis and monitoring. The record of discussions between the two agencies was signed at the Phivolcs' auditorium in Quezon City on Tuesday. Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said the project aims to capacitate their technical staff in delivering timely and accurate information concerning earthquake and tsunamis. "This is Japan's commitment and contribution to the promotion of international cooperation, especially towards developing countries," he told the Philippine News Agency. Phivolcs will send employees for short term training in Japan. Two employees will also be sent for graduate studies from 2025 to 2026, and one from 2026 to 2027. There will also be short visits of Japanese experts to the Phivolcs. "JICA will send experts on volcanology, seismology and tsunami to help capacitate Phivolcs technical staff," Bacolcol said. Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said the project also includes capacity development for information dissemination through masteral courses, as well as training for standard operating procedures for earthquakes and tsunamis. Experts from the Japan Meteorological Agency and partner universities will hold the training. "By focusing on data analysis, warning, and risk communication, we aim to develop a more robust earthquake monitoring and tsunami early warning system. This initiative will benefit vulnerable communities within the Philippines and extend its impact across the region," Solidum said. He thanked JICA, represented by Takema Sakamoto, for the support. "We recognize Japan's unparalleled expertise and technological advancements in disaster mitigation and preparedness, and are eager to incorporate these insights into our systems," Solidum said. Source: Philippines News Agency