9

Science
Quarter 3 – Module 4:
Volcanic Eruption : Effects and
Safety Measures
Science – Grade 9
Quarter 3 – Module 4: Volcanic Eruption: Effects and Safety Measures
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education – Region XI

Regional Director: Evelyn R. Fetalvero, EdD, CESO IV

Assistant Regional Director: Maria Ines C. Asuncion, EdD, CESO V

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Joejit T. Marañan
Editor: Suzette A. Bermejo
Reviewer: Paulo D. Prudente
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Management Team:
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Jinky B. Firman, PhD, CESE
Marilyn V. Deduyo
Alma C. Cifra, EdD
Aris B. Juanillo, PhD
Faye Genevieve P. Pasamonte

Printed in the Philippines by ________________________

Department of Education – Division of Davao City

Office Address: E. Quirino Avenue, Davao City

Telephone: (082) 227 4762
E-mail Address: lrms.davaocity@deped.gov.ph
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Science
Quarter 3 – Module 4:
Volcanic Eruption : Effects and
Safety Measures
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:
As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to
use this module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress
while allowing them to manage their own learning at home.
Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the learners as
they do the tasks included in the module.

For the learner:

As a learner, you must learn to become responsible of your own
learning. Take time to read, understand, and perform the different
activities in the module.
As you go through the different activities of this module be
reminded of the following:
1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any
part of the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the
exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer Let Us Try before moving on to the other
activities.
3. Read the instructions carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking
your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are done.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this
module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always
bear in mind that you are not alone. We hope that through this material,
you will experience meaningful learning and gain deep understanding
of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

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 Let Us Learn

Hello! Welcome!

Have you ever seen the magnificent natural beauty of a volcano?

The Philippines is just one of several countries along the Pacific Ring of Fire
dotted with many volcanoes. If a volcano nearby would suddenly erupt, are
you aware of how you can protect yourself? How do you prepare for this
natural calamity?

In this module, you will learn about the effects of volcanic activities on
humans and the environment. Furthermore, you will also learn the necessary
actions in response to changes in life brought by volcanic eruptions.

Specifically, you are expected to:

• explain how volcanic eruptions affect society; and
• design a scheme to inform local folks what to prepare before, during
and after volcanic eruption.

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 Let Us Try!

How well do know the effects of volcanic activity and the precautionary
safety measures in case of a volcanic eruption? Let us try to find out by
answering the following questions.

Multiple Choice:
Direction: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write your answer on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. Which of the following is the most significant action to take before a

volcanic eruption?
A. Keep updated on the current situation and prepare necessities.
B. Make a research about volcanic eruption.
C. Secure the plants in the garden and the house.
D. Stay calm and encourage others not to panic, do nothing and let
the nature do its thing.

2. People went home after the volcano erupted. What should a family do
after being warned that another eruption might occur?
A. Evacuate if necessary.
B. Free the pets.
C. Save and store more food and water.
D. Stay in the house.

3. Which situation shows a harmful effect of volcanic eruption?

A. Ashes enhance fertility of the soil.
B. Destruction of properties and pollution.
C. Great scenery improves tourism.
D. Geothermal energy may be generated.

4. What must people do to stay safe during volcanic eruption?

A. Build or strengthen the fence around the house and stay inside.
B. Evacuate to safer place/shelter.
C. Identify the possible pathways of lava flow.
D. Move to the lower part of the area.

5. Which of the following listed below is a positive effect of volcanic

activity?
A. Destruction of properties.
B. Heat energy from a volcano can generate electricity.
C. Increases Earth’s surface temperature.
D. Makes soil infertile for farming.

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 Let Us Study

Have you heard about the recent eruption of Mayon Volcano?

Volcanic eruption is not new in the Philippines and we have had several
eruptions in the past decades.

Let us read some information about Mayon Volcano.

Figure 1: The Mayon Volcano

Source: (DOST PHIVOLCS 2018)

Mayon Volcano is one of the country’s pride and tourist attraction

because of its beauty and near perfect cone. Its lower slope is fertile with
heavy vegetation. But the soil near the crater is always hot and can’t be
found.
It is one of the most active volcano in the Philippines. There have
been more than 30 eruptions recorded since 1616.
Its most violent and deadly eruption happened on February 1, 1814,
when the entire town of Cagsawa was buried and approximately 1,200
people were killed. PHIVOLCS said that is it the most destructive eruption
of Mayon, when it erupted with "plinian, pyroclastic flows" and "volcanic
lightning and lahar" (GMA Network 2013). Today, the remains of the
church tower and of the priest’s house and convent remain as a reminder
of that frightful event.
The most recent eruption on January 22, 2018 began unexpectedly
with a phreatic type of explosion. Alert level 4 was raised over the entire
province of Albay and 7,900 families (30,000 people) have evacuated from
seven Albay municipalities neighboring Mount Mayon (OCHA 2018).
On January 6, 2021 8:00am, DOST PHIVOLCS reminded the
public that Mayon Volcano is at Alert level 1 due to the three (3) volcanic
earthquakes recorded by monitoring network during the 24-hour
observation period (DOST - PHIVOLCS 2021).

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Questions:

1. Why do think many people died during the 1814 Mayon eruption?
2. What do you think made a difference in the number of casualties
between the 1814 eruption and the 2018 eruption?

Let us take a closer look at the positive and negative effects of volcanic
activity on the lives of people.

How do volcanic eruptions affect society?

When we think of volcanic eruptions, we imagine it as lava bombs and
pyroclastic flows pouring fire on the earth’s surface and burning it. The lava
flows, red hot rocks and other pyroclastic materials can damage or destroy
houses, farmlands, crops, as well as infrastructures. Powerful mudflows or
lahar can overwhelm and completely bury whole villages and farms just like
what happened in Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga after the 1991 Mount
Pinatubo eruption.
Furthermore, volcanic gaseous emission such as carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide from an erupting volcano can suffocate,
poison, or induce health problems among humans and animals. It was
reported that suffocation is the most common cause of death from a volcano
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2018). Eruption clouds have
been proven to be extremely dangerous to airplanes as the ash can shut down
the engines.
When volcano erupts it throws out a lot of ash into the atmosphere
reducing the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth’s surface thereby
lowering the temperature for almost two years, as what happened during the
eruption of Pinatubo in 1991. Volumes of volcanic ash deposited on roofs can
also cause the roof to cave in and hurt the house occupants. Numerous cases
of death and injuries from accumulated ash in the roof were reported after
the same Mount Pinatubo eruption. Lahar can also accumulate in rivers and
other waterways and can cause floods.

Figure 2: The aftermath of Mount Pinatubo eruption (Photo credits: USGS)

Adopted from (DepEd 2014)

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 But even if volcanic eruptions are destructive, volcanoes also provide
many benefits and positive impacts. These positive impacts can help explain
why people choose to live near the volcano.
One of the most important benefits is the result of the breakdown of
volcanic materials which ultimately increases the richness or fertility of the
soils.
Volcanic eruptions also make available precious gems, mineral
resources such as gold, silver, nickel, copper, and lead for mining (Lumen
Learning n.d.).
In the construction industry, the use of volcanic rocks, sand and ash
has been fully demonstrated in various parts of the world. Using pulverized
volcanic ash as a cement additive is found to be more environment friendly
and produce stronger structures (Lavars 2018).
The tourism industry also benefits from volcano activities. For example,
the eruption of Mount Pinatubo has created a breathtaking scenery. Most
local or domestic tourists find it relaxing by visiting volcanoes while foreign
tourists are looking for unique experiences (Aquino n.d.) This attraction opens
job opportunities for the residents in the area. Thus, volcanoes are
economically vital for many regions because of the recreational activities and
tourists they bring.

Figure 3: The Mount Pinatubo caldera

Source: (DOST - PHIVOLCS 2018)

Finally, volcanoes can be sources of geothermal energy- one of the

much-needed solutions to the rapid depleting supply of the expensive and
non-renewable fossil fuel such as crude oil and petroleum products.

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 Let Us Practice

Good! You made it this far! Let us continue learning.

Activity 1: Let us think about it!

Objective: Identify the effects of volcanic eruption as beneficial or harmful.

Direction: Classify the following effects of volcanic eruption as beneficial or

harmful. Write only the letter corresponding to the statement in
the graphic organizer.

A. Displacement of people from their homes

B. Lahar flows
C. Decrease in Earth’s surface temperature.
D. Makes the soil fertile.
E. Fields are covered with ashes and volcanic rocks.
F. Damage to properties
G. Geothermal power plants generate electricity.
H. Sickness such as allergies and respiratory ailments
I. Materials from a volcano are used in industries.
J. Creates great scenery which attracts tourists.

VOLCANIC ERUPTION

Beneficial Effects Harmful Effects

Remember that volcanoes have enormous destructive power. Eruptions

can change everything, but a volcanic activity also has many benefits to
people and the environment.

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 Let Us Practice More

Activity 2: Just Prepare!

Direction: Read the information given below.

Most volcanic eruptions do not happen abruptly because it would take

some time before volcano can accumulate enough magma that would trigger
an eruption.

Since volcanic eruption can be damaging, necessary actions should be

done by everyone especially for those living near the volcano.
Below are some suggested measures one can observe before, during
and after eruption.
Before the eruption:
1. Talk with your family about volcanoes and what to do in case of a
volcanic eruption.
2. Keep informed on the current situation of the volcano by listening to the
news over the radio, television, and the internet.
3. Prepare mask/gas mask and goggles for each member of the family.
4. Put important things that you need in a bag ready for possible
evacuation like food and water, first aid kit, masks, clothes, flashlight,
extra battery, and blankets.
5. Identify the possible pathways of lava flow.
During the eruption:
1. Be updated for emergency information or instructions from local
officials.
2. Keep calm and follow any evacuation orders issued by authorities.
Evacuate immediately to avoid flying debris, hot gases, and lava flow.
3. If you are indoors, close all windows, doors to keep volcanic ash from
entering. Stay inside the house/building/evacuation center.
If you are outdoors, seek shelter indoors. Stay out of restricted zones.
4. Avoid low-lying areas like river valleys or areas located downwind of the
volcano where volcanic debris and ash will be carried by wind and
gravity.
5. Wear a dust mask/gas mask or cover your face with a clean cloth to
prevent yourself from inhaling hazardous gases, to prevent ash from
irritating the nose, and keeping it away from the respiratory tract.
6. Wear goggles to protect your eyes. Do not wear contact lenses, use
eyeglasses instead.
7. Wear protective clothing. Cover your skin as much as possible.
After the eruption:
1. Let friends and family know you are safe.

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 2. Listen to the radio updates, alert signals, or advice from the
authorities.
3. Stay in the evacuation center until it is safe for you to return home.
4. Stay indoors away from volcanic ashfall areas.
5. Wear dust mask, goggles, and protective clothing whether you are
indoors or outdoors.
6. Keep animals away from ashfall. Wash animals’ paws and fur to
prevent them from inhaling or ingesting ash when they groom
themselves.
7. Clear roofs of ash fall to prevent roofs from collapsing under its weight.
8. Help people who require additional assistance.
9. Help in rebuilding the community.
Source: Adapted from (BEAM 2008)
Check (√) the box that tells the best time to do these measures.

Activity Before During After

1. Clear possible pathways of lava flows.
2. Cultivate the soil around the volcano.
3. Evacuate families and animals to a safer
place.
4. Give warnings to the residents near the
volcano.
5. Help in restoring the community.
6. People stay in evacuation center.
7. Residents are advised to return home.
8. Stock canned goods and other basic
goods.
9. Wash animals’ paws and fur.
10. Wear mask, goggles, and protective
clothing.

It is important for every person, especially those living near or within

the danger zone to know what to do so that they can escape from possible
danger.

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 Let Us Remember

Awesome! Now, let us summarize what we have learned.

• Volcanic eruptions may bring about both beneficial and/or harmful

effects to life and environment.
• Volcanic activities have positive effects to the environment and people
living in the area, examples are the volcanoes’ dramatic scenery
attracts tourists, ash ejected by a volcano provides valuable nutrients
for the soil, geothermal energy can be generated to increase renewable
energy use, volcanic materials can be used for building materials for
the construction industry and can cause cooling of the Earth’ surface
temperature.
• Volcanic eruptions produce hazardous effects for the people, animals
and the environment, examples are it can cause death and destruction
of properties, volcanic gas can bring health problems among human
and animals, lava flow and lahar can destroy habitats and landscapes
as it moves down the side of the volcano and many more.
• The benefits may predominate the harm if precautionary measures
before, during and after volcanic eruptions are carefully observed.
• There are many ways to protect yourself and your family from dangers
of a volcanic eruption. The best way to protect yourself and your family
is to follow the advice of local authorities.

Let Us Assess

Very Good! We are almost there! It is time to try the fruit of our journey.

Multiple Choice:
Direction: Read the questions carefully. Choose the letter of the best answer
and write it on a separate sheet of paper.

1. What must people do after the authorized agency announced that a

volcano near the vicinity is about to erupt?
A. Stay in the house and wait until ashes starts to fall before
evacuating.
B. Secure the roof of houses.
C. Leave the area as instructed/ordered.
D. Ignore it and live as usual.

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2. Which of the following is the most significant action to take before a
volcanic eruption?
A. Stay calm and encourage others not to panic, do nothing and let
nature do its thing.
B. Secure the plants in the garden and the house.
C. Make a research about volcanic eruption.
D. Keep updated on the current situation and prepare necessities.

3. Ashes from an erupting volcano starts to fall. How can you protect your
health in this situation?
A. Always stay in the house.
B. Cover nose and mouth with wet cloth or dust mask.
C. Secure the eyes, ears, and nose by wearing plastic mask.
D. Wear jacket and sunglasses.

4. Which situation shows a harmful effect of volcanic eruption?

A. Ashes enhance fertility of the soil.
B. Destruction of properties and pollution.
C. Geothermal energy may be generated.
D. Great scenery improves tourism.

5. Which of the following are the most essential if you are going to
evacuate?
A. Flashlights, vitamins, water, and toys.
B. Food, water, and clothes.
C. Pets, food, and chairs.
D. Water, blanket, pillows, and tables.

6. A volcanic eruption is over. What should people do?

A. Return to their homes immediately.
B. Cultivate the land and plant again.
C. Check and reconstruct the properties if needed.
D. Wait until the official advisory is given that it is safe to go home.
7. People were allowed by the authorities to go home after a volcano
eruption. What should a family do upon arriving at their house?
A. Bring in the children and let them stay in the house.
B. Check the condition of the house and clear the roof of ashes.
C. Cultivate the soil in the garden.
D. Save and store more food and water.

8. Which of the following listed below is a positive effect of volcanic

activity?
A. Makes soil infertile for farming.
B. Increase Earth’s surface temperature.
C. Heat energy from a volcano can make electricity.
D. Provide valuable nutrients for plants, animals, and humans.

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9. Your family had to move to Camiguin Island several kilometers away
from Mount Hibok-Hibok which is an active volcano. Knowing that you
live near an active volcano, what information should you know, and
preparations should you make in case the volcano will show signs of
an eruption?
A. Be prepared for a possible volcanic eruption by discussing a
disaster preparedness plan with the family and preparing a bag of
clothes, footwear, non-perishable food, bottled water, toiletries,
flashlight, batteries, and cash.
B. Check out the website of PHIVOLCS and read on the past eruption
history of Mt. Hibok-Hibok from your local library.
C. Interview local community folks in the island about the past
eruptions of this volcano and asked what they did.
D. Search the internet or other resources for pertinent data about Mt.
Hibok-Hibok, talk to long-time residents or officials in the area,
and discuss with your family a possible volcanic disaster
preparedness plan.

10. When volcano erupts it throws out a lot of ash. What would be the
long-term effect to the agricultural land of the locality?
A. It can cause drying of vegetation around volcano.
B. It makes the soil not suitable for planting.
C. It produces extraordinarily rich soil for farming.
D. It provides minerals used by plants and humans.

11. Which of the following is NOT an important part of an emergency

supply kit?
A. Batteries C. Video games
B. Flashlights D. Water

12. Which of the following statement is a negative aspect of volcanic

eruption?
A. Create new land.
B. Displace populations.
C. Provides tourism.
D. Reduce global temperature.

13. Which of the following situation is best thing to do before volcanic

eruption?
A. Close all doors and windows.
B. Clean everything around you.
C. Prepare an emergency supply kit.
D. Prioritize the safety of animals and plants before other things.

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14. Which one does NOT show precautionary measures after volcanic
eruption?
A. Use mask while cleaning.
B. Wait for further announcement.
C. Check electrical appliances before using.
D. Make a complete inventory of the properties.

15. Why do we need to follow safety measures before, during and after
volcanic eruption?
A. Agree with the local authorities.
B. Prevent volcanic activity from coming.
C. Save lives and properties.
D. Stop volcanic activity when it happens.

Let Us Enhance

A volcanic eruption is just one of the several natural disasters that can
cause huge damage to properties and even take the lives of people. At this
point, your task is to plan on how to disseminate the information to the local
folks.

Activity 3: Information Dissemination Plan

Direction: The goal, role, and situation are provided below. Read it before
formulating the plan. Questions are provided as a guide in
making your plan. Think of your specific action for every task and
write them down at the right side of the table.

Goal: Your objective is to inform your family and friends about the proper
safety measures that people must do before, during and after volcanic
eruption to help save lives.

Role: You are a high school student who just learned from school what are
the different safety measures to prepare and plan for in the event of an
impending volcanic eruption.

Situation: You and your friends overheard some members in your community
talking about the recent eruption of Taal Volcano. Many residents of the island
were caught unaware. While listening to their conversations you learned that
your neighbors are unsure what must be done to prevent possible harm to
their family if the nearby volcano will show signs of activity. Fortunately, you
learned about this in school and as a concerned community member, you
would like to impart your knowledge to increase their awareness on safety
measures.

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 Need to Do Specific Actions
A. What will you prepare (preparation)
before presentation? 1.
1. Gather information. 2.
(You may add more…) 3.

B. How will you present (method of presentation)

the gathered
information?

C. Where and when is the

presentation?

D. Who will be your

expected audience?

E. What are the things Before During After

you want to share?

F. How would you

address questions from
the audience?

To protect your home and family, it is important to be prepared and

have a plan in place. Following recommended safety measures before,
during and after will help lessen the damages caused by any disaster .

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 Let Us Reflect

Congratulations! You made it! You may want to share your thoughts
and what you have learned from the lesson.
Your goal is to apply your learning in real life situations.

As a member of a family and of the community, how would you

convince others to follow safety measures in times of disaster such as
during a volcanic eruption?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

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Answer Key

15. C 10. C 5. B

14. D 9. A 4. B
B 5.
B 4. 13. C 8. C 3. B
B 3.
12. B 7. B 2. D
A 2.
A 1. 11. C 6. D 1. C
Let Us Try Let Us Assess L

Let Us Practice : Activity 1 Let Us Practice More : Activity 2

Beneficial Harmful Activity Before During After
C A 1 √
D B 2 √
G E 3 √
I F 4 √
J H 5 √
6 √
7 √
8 √
9 √
10 √ √
Let Us Enhance : Activity 3
Need To Do Specific Action
A. ( Answers may vary)
1. 1.Read books, journals/articles
2. Make a research through the internet
3. Ask a reliable resource person from an authorized
agency
B. ( Answers may vary)
a. Powerpoint presentation
b. Visual aids
c. Virtual presentation
C. ( Answers may vary )
D. ( Answers may vary )
a. Parents , relatives and friends
b. Neighbor
E. ( Answers may vary )
F. ( Answers may vary )

Let Us Reflect:
( Answers may vary )
- Present the possible advantages and disadvantages of the different situations.

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 References

Aquino, Richard S. n.d. Understanding visitor perspectives on volcano tourism at

Mount Pinatubo, Philippines: A mixed methods study. Accessed January 5,
2021.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308674437_Understanding_visit
or_perspectives_on_volcano_tourism_at_Mount_Pinatubo_Philippines_A_mixe
d_methods_study .

BEAM. 2008. "BEAM 6 Unit 5: Volcano Mania." Learning Resource Portal.

November. Accessed January 16, 2021.
https://lrmds.deped.gov.ph/list/kto12/subject/1339?page=1.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2018. "Major health threats from a
volcanic eruption." Natural Disasters and Severe Weather. May 18. Accessed
January 20, 2021.
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/volcanoes/facts.html#:~:text=Health%20con
cerns%20after%20a%20volcanic,volcanic%20eruption%20are%20very%20lo
w.

DepEd. 2014. "Unit 3 Earth and Space Module 1 Volcanoes." In Grade 9 Learner's
Module, First Edition, by Department of Education, 178. Pasig City: FEP
Printing Corporation.

DOST - PHIVOLCS. 2018. "Introduction to Volcanoes." Department of Science and

Technology - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology . Accessed
January 16, 2021. https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php/volcano-
hazard/introduction-to-volcanoes.

DOST PHIVOLCS. 2018. "Introduction to Volcanoes." Depeartment of Science and

Technology - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology . Accessed
January 5, 2021. https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php/volcano-
hazard/introduction-to-volcanoes.

GMA Network. 2013. Deadly Mayon eruption just a mild event in last 400 years.
News Online, GMA news.

Lavars, Nick. 2018. "Cement made with volcanic ash can make cities stronger and
greener." New Atlas. February 7. Accessed January 22, 2021.
https://newatlas.com/cement-volcanic-ash-mit/53284/.

Lumen Learning. n.d. Hazards and Benefits of Volcanic Activity. Accessed January
21, 2021.
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/geophysical/chapter/hazards-and-
benefits-of-volcanic-activity/.

OCHA. 2018. Flash Update No.1 : Philippine Mayon Volcano Eruption. UNAMA Civil
Military Weekly Report, OCHA, Phils.
PHIVOLCS, DOST-. 2021. Mayon Volcano Bulletin:6 January 2021 8:00am. Mayon
Volcano Bulletin, DOST-PHIVOLCS.
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Davao City Division

E. Quirino Avenue, Davao City

Telephone: (082) 227 4762

Email Address: lrms.davaocity@deped.gov.ph