NAMRIA | The Central Mapping Agency of the Government of the Philippines

Core Functions

Geodetic Reference System Development

Pursuant to Executive Order number 192, NAMRIA is mandated to establish and maintain the Philippine Geodetic Reference System, the primary reference for all surveying and mapping in the country. It is in line with this mandate that the agency is undertaking the modernization of the national geodetic system (NGS) as part of its core initiatives... under its vision of helping to build a geospatially-empowered Philippines by 2020.

The program is aligned with the United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/69/266 of 26 February 2015, that urges the adoption of, and calls for the active participation of member states, in the definition of a global geodetic reference frame for sustainable development. The modernization program will upgrade the existing Philippine Reference System of 1992, unify the national vertical datum, and strengthen core competencies on geodesy of the NGS stakeholders.

Topographic Mapping

NAMRIA produces updated topographic base maps and derivative maps at various scales, in paper form or digital data, for use by the national government agencies, local government units, the academe, the scientific community, and the private sector. These are used as basic tools and common reference in most aspects of governance such as development planning; ...disaster-risk reduction and management, and delivery of government services.

Topographic maps are also used by the private sector in investment planning and exploration, by the academic and science communities in research and development activities, and by the general public. They are regularly updated using the latest aerial photographs, satellite imageries, and field surveys. Small and medium-scale topographic maps (1:250,000 scale and 1:50,000 scale) generally cover large areas. Large-scale topographic maps (e.g., at 1:10,000 scale or larger) generally cover smaller areas but show more detail. NAMRIA likewise produces updated administrative maps in the form of provincial and regional maps.

Hydrography, Physical Oceanography and Nautical Charting

NAMRIA conducts hydrographic and physical oceanographic surveys and produces nautical charts (berthing, harbor, approach, coastal, general sailing and overview charts), predicted tide and current tables, coast pilot book, list of lights, notices to mariners and other nautical publications depicting the country's maritime jurisdictions. The surveys and charts ensure safety in maritime ... navigation and provide basic information for the management of the maritime space and resources, as well as base data for climate change studies. The charts and hydrographic data are important in complying with the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea relative to the country's maritime entitlements. Likewise, the nautical publications are required under the Safety of Life at Sea Convention.

NAMRIA is the national hydrographic office and the focal point for the International Hydrographic Organization and East Asia Hydrographic Commission. NAMRIA undertakes survey activities utilizing its two multidisciplinary survey vessels, BRP HYDROGRAPHER PRESBITERO and BRP HYDROGRAPHER VENTURA. The agency also has two 23.55-meter catamaran hydrographic survey vessels, BRP HYDROGRAPHER ANDRES HIZON and BRP HYDROGRAPHER CAYETANO PALMA for use in the expansion of the agency's hydrographic and oceanographic survey capabilities.

To date, NAMRIA operates and maintains 47 primary tide stations in the country for the continuous monitoring and recording of sea level. Twenty-four of the tide stations are equipped with telemetry system for near-real time transmission of tide data to the NAMRIA office in Manila. Another six tide stations in Manila; Legazpi, Albay; Subic, Zambales; Currimao, Ilocos Norte; Lubang Island, Occidental Mindoro; and Davao City are also linked to the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission's Sea-Level Station Monitoring Facility from which users can download in near real-time via the Internet.

NAMRIA also serves as the National Oceanographic Data Center and operates the Muntinlupa Magnetic Observatory which facilitates local and international exchange of oceanographic and magnetic data.

Environment and Natural Resource Mapping

NAMRIAs conducts nationwide environment and natural resource assessment and mapping of various thematic geospatial information such as land cover, coastal resources, low-lying areas vulnerable to sea-level rise, tenurial instruments, and upland/forestland population, among others. These fundamental datasets serve as vital inputs in policy formulation, ... physical and developmental planning, provision of social services, disaster-risk reduction and management, and climate change mitigation and adaptation studies at various levels.

In addition, the agency continues to provide information on classification of lands of the public domain as well as technical assistance to the DENR on the delineation of forestland boundaries to support legislation by Congress of the final limits of forestlands and national parks.

Maritime Zones and Boundaries Mapping

NAMRIA is responsible for the survey and mapping of the country’s terrestrial and maritime territories. It delineates the different maritime zones of the archipelago including the Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelves. It spearheaded the successful submission to the United Nations Commission... on the Limits of the Continental Shelf the Philippine extended continental shelf in the Benham Rise Region.

NAMRIA also provides technical support to various government agencies on matters pertaining to maritime boundary delimitation and Law of the Sea issues, as well as to the local government units in the delineation and delimitation of the 15-kilometer municipal water boundaries.

Geospatial Information Management and Services

NAMRIA's geospatial information management and services include information system strategic planning; geospatial databasing; information and web system development; information and communications technology resource and network management; geographic information systems (GIS) project collaboration and technical assistance; GIS trainings; ... packaging of geospatial information knowledge products and services; stakeholder relations and partnership development; information, education, and communication; and customer services.

NAMRIA also plays active roles and even acts as lead in various international working groups, fora, conferences, symposiums, and other activities in the area of geospatial information management and services relevant to disaster risk reduction and management and climate change adaptation.

NAMRIA leads in the implementation of a national spatial data infrastructure (NSDI), which is designed to provide a mechanism for sharing of and access to geospatial information produced and maintained by the various stakeholders and custodians across the country. A major output of the NSDI is the Philippine Geoportal. This application system, managed by NAMRIA, serves as a platform for online and open sharing of geospatial information.

Organizational Structure

The governance and policy direction of NAMRIA is provided by a five-member Board of Governors, and an Administrator who is assisted by two (2) Deputy Administrators.

There are four (4) core or technical branches, and one (1) Support Services Branch, with four (4) divisions each. (View Organizational Chart)

Mapping and Geodesy Branch

As the sole mapping agency of the government, NAMRIA through its Mapping and Geodesy Branch (MGB) produces, maintains, and updates base maps that will serve as basic inputs in various development activities of the government, the academic and scientific community, and the private sector.

Another function is to establish and maintain a national geodetic control network to serve as common reference for all surveying and mapping activities in the country.

Hydrography Branch

The functions of the Hydrography Branch (HB) is to acquire and analyze hydrographic and oceanographic data used for promoting navigational safety and oceanographic research. Outputs are nautical charts, navigational warnings, tide and current predictions.

The Hydrography Branch also actively participates to the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), and its regional office, the East Asia Hydrographic Commission, which aims to ensure that all the world's seas, oceans and navigable waters are surveyed and charted according to internationally-accepted standards.

Resource Data Analysis Branch

The Resource Data Analysis Branch (RDAB) is mandated to conduct land cover assessment/evaluation and land classification. Its functions are:

(1) to provide remote sensing services and vital data on the environment, land cover, forestry, agriculture, water resources, and coastal zone, among others; and

(2) to conduct researches on remote sensing and GIS applications.

Geospatial Information System Management Branch

Geospatial Information System Management Branch (GISMB) works toward the sharing, transfer, exchange, packaging, and dissemination of environment and natural resources data. It develops and maintains information systems and ENR databases for use not only within NAMRIA but also by outside clients.

It also serves as the marketing arm of the agency for all its products and services.

Directory of Offices

Below are the NAMRIA's phone and email directory. Dial (63-2) 8810-4831 to 34 to connect to all local lines for Fort Bonifacio offices and dial (63-2) 8241-3494 to 98 for Binondo Hydrography Branch offices.

Official/Office	Email Address	Direct_Line	Local_Line
Usec. Peter N. Tiangco, PhD. Administrator	pntiangco@namria.gov.ph	8810-5471 8819-0250	105/106
Efren P. Carandang Deputy Administrator	epcarandang@namria.gov.ph	8810-5464	111
John Santiago F. Fabic Deputy Administrator	jsffabic@namria.gov.ph	8884-2851	400/810
Rowena E. Bongalos Chief of Staff	rebongalos@namria.gov.ph	8810-5469 8810-5462	104/114

HYDROGRAPHY BRANCH
Official/Office	Email Address	Direct_Line	Local_Line
Capt. Antonio G. Valenzuela, Jr. OIC-Director	agvalenzuela@namria.gov.ph	8242-2955 8242-2090 fax	104
Capt. Carter S. Luma-ang OIC-Assistant Director for Administration	cslumaang@namria.gov.ph	8247-1281	114
Capt. Jose T. Arevalo Jr. OIC-Assistant Director for Operation	jtarevalojr@namria.gov.ph	8247-1281	114
Lcdr Aaron Andro V. Ching OIC-Maritime Affairs Division	aavching@namria.gov.ph	8245-0295	107
Cdr. Teodoro D. Pasahol OIC-Surveys Support Division	tdpasahol@namria.gov.ph	8247-1280	119
Dennis Arsenio B. Bringas Physical Oceanography Division	dabbringas@namria.gov.ph	8242-2093	105/129
Lcdr. Maylord M. De Chavez OIC-Nautical Charting Division	mmdechavez@namria.gov.ph	8245-9501	123

MAPPING AND GEODESY BRANCH
Official/Office	Email Address	Direct_Line	Local_Line
Ruel DM. Belen Director	rdbelen@namria.gov.ph	8884-2844	600/602
Brian A. Dela Cruz OIC-Assistant Director	badelacruz@namria.gov.ph	8884-2836	601
Nicandro P. Parayno Photogrammetry Division	npparayno@namria.gov.ph	8884-2842	610/611/612 613/614/621
Leo B. Grafil OIC-Cartography Division	lgrafil@namria.gov.ph	8884-2835	640/641/642
Celedonio DJ. Pili OIC-Reprography and Printing Division	cdpili@namria.gov.ph	8884-2841	630/631/651
Engr. Ronaldo C. Gatchalian Geodesy Division	rcgatchalian@namria.gov.ph	8884-2840 8884-2849	620/615

RESOURCE DATA ANALYSIS BRANCH
Official/Office	Email Address	Direct_Line	Local_Line
Ofelia T. Castro Director	otcastro@namria.gov.ph	8884-2857	700/701
Violeta A. Quiliza Assistant Director	vaquiliza@namria.gov.ph	8816-1033	702
Sylvia L. Esperanza Land Resource Data Analysis Division	slesperanza@namria.gov.ph	8884-2861	710/711
Raul T. Magabo OIC-Physiography and Coastal Resources Division	rtmagabo@namria.gov.ph	8884-2864	740/741
Cristina M. Montoya OIC-Geospatial Integration Division	cmmontoya@namria.gov.ph	8884-2867	730/751
Beata D. Batadlan Land Classification Division	bdbatadlan@namria.gov.ph	8884-2863	720/721/731

GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION SYSTEM MANAGEMENT BRANCH
Official/Office	Email Address	Direct_Line	Local_Line
Febrina E. Damaso Director	fedamaso@namria.gov.ph	8843-5873	300/301
Benjamin P. Balais Assistant Director	bpbalais@namria.gov.ph	8884-5459	441
Arlene B. Brillantes Geospatial System Development Division	abbrillantes@namria.gov.ph	8884-2853	410
Eriberto N. Brillantes OIC-Geospatial Database Management Division	enbrillantes@namria.gov.ph	8884-2856 8810-5460	420
Magellan C. Azucena Geospatial Information and Communications Technology Division	mcazucena@namria.gov.ph	8884-2877	460/461
Maria Romina dR. Pe Benito Geospatial Information Services Division	mrdpebenito@namria.gov.ph	8810-2890 8884-2855 8887-5466	401/430/431 440/442/444

SUPPORT SERVICES BRANCH
Official/Office	Email Address	Direct_Line	Local_Line
Concepcion A. Bringas Director	cabringas@namria.gov.ph	8889-9944	102/112
Atty. Jessie M Racimo OIC-Administrative Division	jmracimo@namria.gov.ph	8810-5453	200/260
Xenia R. Andres Policy and Planning Division	xrandres@namria.gov.ph	8810-5461	230/231
Noel R. Vega Financial and Management Division	nrvega@namria.gov.ph	8810-5449 8887-5351	221/220/222
Virgilio N. Panga Engineering Services Division	vnpanga@namria.gov.ph	8810-5470	302
Zenaida A. Leaño OIC-Human Resource Management Section	hrms@namria.gov.ph	8810-5458	210/211
Florence M. Acle Human Resource Development Section	hrd@namria.gov.ph	8810-5458	210/211

Map Sales Offices

The NAMRIA Map Sales Office or MSO sells maps, nautical charts, and publications produced by the agency. The maps that are available are topographic maps in various map scales and other thematic maps like planimetric and administrative (national, regional, and provincial) maps.

To this date, there are 16 map sales offices located nationwide aside from the ones located at our main offices in Taguig and Binondo. They are usually located or housed in the regional offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Region	Address	MSO STAFF	Phone/Fax
Main	Lawton Avenue, Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City	Dante A. Rosette, Jr. Rina Grace G. Gersalia Ana Victoria A. Labor Sheilah Mae G. Lopez Marlon Y. Aguilar	(02) 8810-4831 to 42 loc 431 (02) 8810-5467 0956 5587584 0915 2777903
NCR	421 Barraca Street, San Nicolas, Binondo, Manila	SN3 Marilou B. Cinco Romeo B. Brizuela Mary Jane M. Montano John Paul C. Villarico	(02) 8245-9498 (02) 8241-3494 loc 117 0966 8523814 0921 3627524
NCR	DENR-FMB Compound, Visayas Avenue, Quezon City	Sherry Ann S. Perez Glenn M. De Jesus	0999 6079193 0928 4497159
I	DENR Government Center Sevilla City of San Fernando La Union	Bona G. Perez	0917 1885162 0961 4552526
II	DENR-Land Evaluation Party Building II, Brgy. Carig, Tuguegarao City	Temporarily Closed	NA
III	DENR Compound, Diosdado Macapagal Gov't. Center. Maipis City, San Fernando, Pampanga	Lily C. Pineda	0917 8980403
IVA	Provincial Planning and Development Office, Capitol Complex, Batangas City	Engr. Leda P. Velasquez	0961 4552583
IVB	DENR-PENRO Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa City	Juvy B. Sarmiento Corazon L. Zeñarosa	0916 203 8041
V	DENR-Operation/Survey Division, Rizal Street, Sagpon, Legaspi City, Albay	Isabelita T. Climaco	09198944613
VI	Manuel Lagunilla Bldg., DENR Compound, Parola, Iloilo City	Dorothy C. Salvador	0919 8873862
VII	Room 301 Osmeña Building II, Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City, Cebu	Melchor Togonon Renato B. Alcontin, Jr.	0922 7910372 0931 0010341 0961 4552579
VIII	DENR Compound, Santo Niño Extension, Tacloban City	Temporarily Closed	NA
IX	Pres. Corazon C. Aquino Regional Government Center, Balintawak, Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur	Lucero A. Santillan	0935 5962917
IX	DENR CENRO West General Vicente Alvarez St. Zone 4, Zamboanga City	Annete P. Flores	0955 8928777 0961 4552574
X	DENR Building Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental	Jennifer D. Bagamaspad	0966 8524887
XI	Kilometer 7, SPED Road, Bangkal, Davao City	Eduardo A. Deocampo	0915 6127770 0966 8523825
XII	3rd Floor, DENR Building Land Evaluation Survey Section Aurora Street, Barangay Zone IV Koronadal City, South Cotabato	Jeanyluz B. Bautista	0909 9324745
CARAGA	DENR - Land Management Services Building, Ambago, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte	Maricar E. Siega	0948 3619452