In its 2025 budget version submitted to Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Congress and Senate slashed 44% from the budget proposed by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology’s (DOST-PHIVOLCS) Dynaslope Project (Dynaslope). Only ₱25.52 million is allocated for 2025, from ₱45.55 million in 2024.

“This huge budget cut endangers landslide-prone communities in the country and will result in massive layoffs of scientists, researchers and personnel,” the Advocates of Science and Technology for the People (Agham) said. The group stated that this is in stark contrast to the Marcos administration’s claims of strengthening the government’s response to disasters.

Dynaslope has been providing a community-based early warning system for landslides since 2008. It currently monitors 52 locations in 24 provinces, assisting communities at high risk of landslides. The project has developed hazard maps, risk assessments, and other landslide monitoring systems in collaboration with local governments and communities.

“Amidst higher disaster risk and worsening climate crisis, the gov’t fails to prioritize the safety of its people,” Agham said. They said this is a stark display of the government’s grievous misaligned priorities, especially in the wake of consecutive typhoons that ravaged the country in recent months.

“Most of the budget slashed from PhilVolcs and other agencies that provide vital social services … went to pet infrastructure projects of various legislators, falling under their pork barrel funds,” Agham further stated.

On December 21, Dynaslope Project employees submitted a petition to the President’s Office stating their call to restore the cut funds for the project and to secure the employees’ welfare. An estimated one-third of the project’s workforce will be laid off if the reduced budget is not reinstated.

Courage (Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees) joined the employees in submitting the petition.