Philippines Promotes Disaster Risk Reduction Applications of Nuclear Test Ban Monitoring Technology

MANILA 19 March 2025 — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines, in partnership with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), hosted a public lecture by Dr. Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the CTBTO Provisional Technical Secretariat, on the topic “Detecting Nuclear Tests and Beyond: Harnessing the Full Benefit of CTBT Data,” on 18 March 2025. 

This event is part of a series of workshops and engagements the Philippines is hosting in 2025 to strengthen international cooperation in disarmament, non-proliferation, and strategic trade management.

The public lecture aims to promote and enhance discussions on regional security, promoting scientific collaboration, and advancing disaster risk reduction initiatives.

Dr. Floyd’s lecture focuses on the dual-use benefits of CTBT data, particularly its applications in disaster risk management. The CTBTO’s International Monitoring System (IMS)—designed to detect nuclear explosions worldwide—also provides critical data for tsunami and earthquake early warnings, volcanic activity, and environmental monitoring. The Philippines, as a host to three IMS stations, is committed to leveraging this system to bolster national and regional disaster resilience.

“The CTBT’s verification regime does more than prevent nuclear testing; it is a powerful tool for disaster risk reduction, scientific research, and climate monitoring,” said Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jesus “Gary” S. Domingo. “The Philippines is keen to explore new avenues for collaboration with the CTBTO in strengthening our disaster preparedness efforts.”

This lecture is part of a series of regional workshops on disarmament and non-proliferation, reinforcing the Philippines’ leadership in advancing a rules-based international order and its commitment to peace, security, and scientific cooperation. The DFA is working closely with international partners to ensure that these discussions translate into concrete actions for disaster resilience and non-proliferation. END