Vital gov’t landslide monitoring program, Phivolcs’ Dynaslope face 44% budget cut
Dynaslope Project (Dynaslope) under DOST-PHIVOLCS is set to lose 44% of its proposed 2025 budget. This huge budget cut endangers landslide-prone communities in the country and will result in massive layoffs of scientists, researchers and personnel, despite BBM’s previous statement that he will step up government response in times of disaster.
From PhP 45,547,000 in 2024, Dynaslope’s proposed budget was down to PhP 25,518,000 for 2025.
A third of the project’s employees are at risk of losing their jobs next year if such a significant budget cut pushes through.
Such move will waste highly valuable government resources—skilled Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) workers who have spent years honing their expertise through rigorous training and work experience, serving vulnerable communities.
These workers, already burdened by pay delays, unsafe working conditions, job insecurity, and the absence of rightful benefits, now face yet another threat to their livelihoods. Sadly, this treatment of our scientists and researchers is not new, highlighting the government’s persistent disregard for their invaluable contributions.
Innovative early warning system for deep-seated landslides (EWS-L)
Dynaslope has been providing community-based early warning system for landslides in the Philippines since 2008. Currently, the project monitors 52 landslide early warning sites across the country, protecting communities at high risk of landslides.
In partneship with local government units, Dynaslope has developed hazard maps, risk assessments, and a landslide monitoring system while empowering grassroots communities and forming Landslide Early Warning Committees (LEWCs) to make life-saving decisions.
Amidst higher disaster risk and worsening climate crisis, the gov’t fails to prioritize the safety of its people
This budget cut to a critical landslide disaster risk reduction program, especially in light of the successive strong typhoons that have recently struck the country, is a stark display of the grievous misaligned priorities of the government. How can we then expect a measly budget to government institutions tasked to protect Filipinos from disasters to deliver effective disaster response?
Most of the budget slashed from PhilVolcs and other agencies that provide vital social services like DepEd, DOH, and DSWD went to pet infrastructure projects of various legislators, falling under their pork barrel funds.
Support our scientists! Protect our taxes!
Fight for a humane and responsive disaster response institutions!
It is no longer acceptable for the government to allocate only crumbs for the people. Budget cuts to critical disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) measures, the lack of support for scientists, coupled with recent corruption scandals involving Sara Duterte and the prioritization of profit-driven projects like reclamation, create a recipe for preventable disasters. These outcomes clearly show that the government’s priorities do not align with the interests of the people.
We demand an urgent realignment of government priorities toward safeguarding the lives and welfare of the people. Stop the budget cuts to essential DRRM programs and ensure adequate funding for scientists and community-based disaster preparedness.
AGHAM supports the call of the employees of the Dynaslope Project for adequate funding to sustain the programs, staff, and facilities necessary for its survival.
Invest in Safety. Uphold Resilience. Restore the Dynaslope Project’s Budget Now!
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