PHIVOLCS, foreign scientists conduct joint research on Laguna’s ancient volcanic

 PHIVOLCS, foreign scientists conduct joint research on Laguna’s ancient volcanic 

SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna (PIA) — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS-DOST) led a joint research workshop on some of the country’s volcanic lakes in San Pablo City, Laguna, aimed at discussing the latest advances in volcanic lake research, enhancing hazard assessment, and improving familiarity with monitoring techniques.

In partnership with the Geological Society of the Philippines (GSP) and the City Government of San Pablo, Laguna, the 12th International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior (IAVCEI) Commission on Volcanic Lakes (CVL) Workshop (CVL12) was conducted in this city from March 16 to 17, 2026.

Scientists from Italy, France, Chile, El Salvador, the United States, and Indonesia joined their Filipino counterparts in studying the unique characteristics of Pandin Lake and Mojicap Lake, two of the city’s seven crater lakes or maars.

During the workshop, researchers collected water samples for scientific analysis to better understand the lakes’ physical and chemical properties.

According to Dr. Raymond Maximo of PHIVOLCS-DOST, the international workshop examined the characteristics and chemical composition of the lake waters. He explained that by analyzing the collected samples, scientists aim to gain a deeper understanding of the current condition of the volcanic lakes and the natural processes that influence them.

“We want to study that because there are times when fish kills occur in these lakes. We will look into the reasons for those fish kills and also check if there are gases rising from beneath the lake,” Maximo said.

The agency emphasized the importance of connecting local and international experts to strengthen monitoring, improve communication, and enhance community readiness for volcanic hazards, with the goal of ultimately helping to protect lives and livelihoods.

For the participating international scientists, the research carries significance beyond academic study. Dr. Rebecca Biagi, a scientist from the University of Florence in Italy, emphasized that the results of their analysis could help local communities better understand the condition of their lakes and the importance of protecting them, as the country remains vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

“I am here in San Pablo to study the fluxes of carbon dioxide and methane from volcanic lakes. It is a very interesting research because it allows us to monitor the activity state of volcanoes and also have a quantification of the emissions of these greenhouse gases, so it is very important for climate change purposes.”

The workshop not only showcased international scientific collaboration but also strengthened environmental awareness in San Pablo City’s lakes which now serve as vital ecosystems that support biodiversity, tourism, and the livelihoods of local communities.

San Pablo City Mayor Arcadio Gapangada Jr. expressed his appreciation for the presence of scientists in the city, noting that the protection and preservation of the city’s seven lakes is one of the local government’s key environmental priorities.

“As scientists continue to analyze the samples they collected, their findings are expected to provide valuable insights that will help safeguard San Pablo’s volcanic lakes for future generations,” the mayor emphasized.

PHIVOLCS is optimistic that the workshop fostered stronger international collaboration and scientific partnerships to better understand and monitor volcanic hazards, and to help build safer, more resilient communities worldwide.

Aside from their research in Laguna, participants also took part in scientific sessions in Clark, Pampanga, and workshops at the Pinatubo Volcano Crater Lake via Capas, Tarlac. (CH/PIA-Laguna; with reports from San Pablo City Information Office)