NAMRIA, through its Geomatics Training Center (GTC), conducted an Advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) training for Batangas City on 06-10 November 2023. The event, held at the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Environment Research (STEER) Hub of the Batangas State University (BatSU), was participated by a total of 14 middle-level and technical personnel selected by the local government of Batangas City.

 

The Advanced GIS training was part of the activities outlined in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between NAMRIA, represented by Usec. Peter N. Tiangco, PhD, and PDRF, represented by President Rene S. Meily. The aim of the MOA was to conduct both Basic and Advanced GIS training for selected local government units (LGUs). PDRF serves as one of the implementing partners for the Climate Resilient Cities (CRC) Project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in consortium with other entities such as Conservation International (CI) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS). The CRC Project's overarching objective is to enhance resilience by strengthening the adaptive capacity of cities, enabling them to adapt, mitigate, and manage the impacts of climate change and disasters.

 

The Advanced GIS training served as an ongoing initiative aimed at enhancing the capabilities of LGUs in processing available hazard maps and identifying areas, infrastructures, and populations susceptible to hazards. This activity was a prerequisite for a subsequent training session on Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment.

 

Engr. Erwin Rafael Cabral, head of the GIS Applications Development Center (GADC) of BatSU, opened the event with his message. He welcomed all the organizations that collaborated on the activity and expressed his gratitude "for coming to our university and for trusting the university to conduct this momentous Advanced GIS training."

 

The training team and participants also took part in the GIS Day celebration organized by BatSU and Geodata System Inc., which had the theme Future's Thinking in Geospatial Innovations. Office of the Civil Defense (OCD)-CALABARZON Regional Director Carlos Eduardo Alvarez III graced the event and gave his message of support.

 

PDRF Program Manager, EnP Alex Czar Masiglat delivered his message, where he reflected on the significance of the NAMRIA training initiative. He emphasized the training's role in fostering geospatial innovation and pushing the boundaries of possibilities in the field. He also acknowledged the hard work and dedication exhibited by both the participants and the NAMRIA training team throughout the program.

 

The NAMRIA training team comprised Mr. Alvin F. Laurio, Officer in Charge (OIC) of the Geospatial Information Services Division (GISD), as the resource person and Ms. Nilca Jane F. Fabellon, Mr. Manuel V. Lorenzana, Jr., and this writer as training assistants. The PDRF training staff were Mr. Mark Lester Rodrigo, Senior GIS Officer; Mr. Rudyard Nano IV, Project Officer; Ms. Ciara Villanueva, M&E Officer; Ms. Reina Manongsong, Communications Officer; and Mr. Mark Aguinaldo, Resilience Officer. The CRS team was composed of Mr. Paulo Caparas, GIS & KM Manager and Ms. Marjorie Marasigan, City Coordinator, while the CI was represented by Ms. Annadel Sapugan, NCS Specialist.