In concerted efforts to enhance the capabilities of employees who perform Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-related functions within the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Offices, a Specialized Course on GIS Batch 2 was recently conducted by the DENR Human Resource Development Services (DENR-HRDS), in partnership with NAMRIA and the Geospatial Database Office (GDO).

 

The 15-day extensive training program, which covered the basics of GIS and the advanced topics and applications, was held at the Environment and Natural Resources Academy (ENRA) in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, from 23 April to 07 May 2024. Attended by 34 representatives from various DENR regional offices, bureaus, and attached agencies, the course aimed to strengthen their proficiency in utilizing geospatial data for environmental management and planning purposes. In addition, licensed foresters who participated in the said course received 45 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points.

 

The training program featured key modules on the fundamental principles of GIS and Remote Sensing, and advanced topics such as spatial analysis and 3D modeling using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture RADAR (IFSAR). The GIS software utilized was ArcGIS Pro. Notably, various DENR bureaus, including the Forest Management Bureau (FMB), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Land Management Bureau (LMB), Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), Ecosystem Research and Development Bureau (ERDB), and GDO, were actively involved in discussing the applications of GIS in their respective offices, underscoring the program's interdisciplinary approach.

 

During the opening program at the DENR Central Office, Usec. Carlos Primo C. David reminded the participants that the specialized course represents a significant step forward in the department's ongoing efforts to equip DENR personnel with the necessary skills and tools to address environmental challenges effectively. He also emphasized the role of GIS in providing accurate geospatial data as the basis for informed decisions.

 

 

 

 

The specialized course also included a 5-day internship program from 08-14 May 2024. The participants were deployed in different DENR bureaus and attached agencies to be exposed to real-world GIS applications specifically used in environmental management. Five learners were deployed to NAMRIA. Representatives from Regions 2, 3, 4A, 6, and 13 were assigned to the Land Classification Division (LCD) of the Resource Data Analysis Branch (RDAB) to learn about the replotting of Land Classification (LC) maps, suitability analysis for LC, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and mapping of existing land use. The learners returned to the DENR Central Office on May 14 in the afternoon for the closing program.

 

The NAMRIA training team consisted of this author as the Subject Matter Expert for the GIS and RS topics, along with Ms. Nilca F. Fabellon, Mr. Erwin D. Famatiga, and Mr. Manuel V. Lorenzana, Jr., who served as technical assistants and facilitators.