Thirty-five years after the historic 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS), in partnership with the Holy Angel University (HAU) Center for Kapampangan Studies, will hold a twin-event program, “Pinatubo at 35: Remembering Pinatubo Lessons from the Past, Empowering Communities,” on June 9 and 11, 2026.
The commemoration honors the people, institutions, and scientific efforts behind one of the world’s most successful volcanic disaster risk reduction initiatives. It highlights the continuing relevance of the lessons learned from the eruption.
A commemorative marker unveiling and wreath-laying ceremony will be held on 9 June 2026 at the CDC Parade Grounds, Clark Freeport Zone. The marker commemorates the 1991 eruption, one of the largest volcanic eruptions of the 20th century, and recognizes the collective efforts of scientists, government agencies, local communities, international partners, and media organizations that helped save lives and reduce the impacts of the disaster.
Also on 9 June, the opening ceremonies of an International Conference will be held at the PGN Auditorium, Holy Angel University, Angeles City, followed by technical sessions on 11 June 2026 . The conference will feature discussions on volcanic hazards, disaster preparedness, emergency response, advances in volcanology, and lessons from the Pinatubo experience.
Experts and researchers from United States Geological Survey (USGS), the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior (IAVCEI), Tarlac Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Pampanga Press Club, Clark Development Corporation, Philippine Red Cross, Mekeni Food Corporation, DOST-PHIVOLCS, and other partner institutions will share their experiences during the 1991 Pinatubo Volcano Eruption and their insights on the scientific, social, and policy dimensions of volcanic risk reduction and resilience.
DOST-PHIVOLCS encourages the public to reflect not only on the impacts of the 1991 eruption but also on the lessons it continues to offer. The Pinatubo experience demonstrated the value of scientific monitoring, effective communication, community participation, and preparedness in reducing disaster risks and saving lives.
Mount Pinatubo straddles Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales. Its 1991 eruption remains a landmark event in Philippine and global volcanology and continues to inform volcanic hazard assessment and disaster risk reduction efforts worldwide.
