NAMRIA NEWSCOOP


NAMRIA holds webinar on the use of geospatial information for informed decisions and better policies
Volume XXXIV Issue No. 49
By: Arlene M. Balauro

In line with the observance of the 33rd National Statistics Month with the theme Boosting the Country’s Recovery with Informed Decisions, Better Policies, a webinar entitled NAMRIA Geospatial Information Matters for Informed Decisions and Better Policies was held via Zoom and YouTube Live platforms on 26 October 2022. The event was conducted, through the approval and support of NAMRIA Administrator, Usec. Peter N. Tiangco, PhD, and was attended by a total of 210 employees and external stakeholders. The month of October of every year is observed as National Statistics Month pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 647, signed by then President Corazon C. Aquino.
 
The NAMRIA webinar started with an opening prayer which was followed by the showing of the NAMRIA profile audio-visual presentation. Geospatial Information System Management Branch (GISMB) Dir. Febrina E. Damaso, in her welcome remarks, highlighted the importance of NAMRIA’s geospatial data in informed decision making and creating better policies for the Philippines.
 
Engr. Charisma Victoria D. Cayapan, Geophysicist IV from the Geodesy Division, Mapping and Geodesy Branch, served as the first resource person of the webinar. She discussed how base maps and the geodetic reference frame are used in informed decision making. She shared how NAMRIA products and services contributed to addressing major challenges faced by the country in the past decade. She cited NAMRIA initiatives like the Yolanda Corridor Base Mapping and the establishment of Geodetic Control Points for the Marawi Rehabilitation for Bangon Marawi Project, the Build, Build, Build Program, and Mapping of Safe Open Spaces. She also emphasized the importance of integrating geospatial information and statistics, particularly in achieving the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
 
LCdr. Maylord M. De Chavez, Officer in Charge of the Nautical Charting Division, Hydrography Branch (HB), served as the second resource person of the webinar. He started his discussion with a brief history of HB then proceeded to present hydrographic services in numbers. He provided numerical data about HB's facilities, products and services, and accomplishments. NAMRIA’s survey vessel, BRP HYDROGRAPHER PRESBITERO, has measured Philippine Deep, the deepest point in the Philippine Trench, to be 10,663 meters below mean lower low water. Other achievements include Devil's Point, the deepest part of Laguna de Bay, at 22.29 meters, and Benham Bank, the shallowest point in the Philippine Rise, at 48.60 meters deep.
 
An open forum followed shortly after the discussions. Questions during the open forum were answered by both Engineer Cayapan and Lieutenant Commander De Chavez.
 
NSM webinar
Screenshots of Engineer Cayapan (left) and Lieutenant Commander De Chavez (right) during their respective presentations
 
Mr. Jeffrey A. Quodala, Information Officer IV from the Geospatial Information Services Division (GISD)-GISMB, concluded the webinar by thanking all the participants, resource speakers, and the NAMRIA management for all the support given. The webinar was organized by GISD-GISMB. It was spearheaded by Mr. Quodala, facilitated and hosted by Engr. Rosalyn D. Sontillanosa, and supported technically by Mr. Jeffrey M. Aguillon and Mr. Erwin D. Famatiga.


Readers can email newscoop@namria.gov.ph or fax letters to +63-2 884-2855 for their comments and suggestions.