NAMRIA NEWSCOOP


NAMRIA conducts capability-enhancement training for its tide observers
By: Erlito Saberola

     NAMRIA, through the Physical Oceanography Division-Hydrography Branch (POD-HB), conducted capability-building training for the agency’s tide observers.  The activity was held at Ramada Manila Central Hotel, Binondo, Manila on 10-12 November 2015.
     The three-day training was in line with NAMRIA’s strategic plan of developing and strengthening its physical oceanographic survey capability.  The activity aimed (1) to enhance the capability of tide observers to efficiently operate and maintain tide gauge and accesories, (2) standardize procedures and guidelines in tidal observation, (3) improve tidal data collection and monitoring, (4) increase the integrity and quality of the tidal data, and (5) optimize responsibilities of tide observers in case of emergencies related to sea- level hazards and natural disasters.  
      Training attendees, resource persons, andfacilitators with Deputy Administrator Efren P. Carandang (at center in white barong) 
 
     In his welcome remarks, HB Director, Commodore Jacinto M. Cablayan discussed the importance of the tide observers in our country.  He also thanked the participants for their time and effort to attend the said activity.  Meanwhile, Deputy Administrator Jose C. Cabanayan Jr., read the inspirational message of Administrator Peter N. Tiangco.  The Administrator stressed the importance of the training especially in enhancing NAMRIA’s human resource capability on tide gauge operation and maintenance, sea level monitoring, and responding to the needs of the agency and its various local and international clients.  DA Cabanayan also thanked and congratulated especially the personnel of the POD-HB for the successful planning and implementation of the activity.
     The topics presented were Overview of NAMRIA, HB, and POD; Introduction to Tides and Tidal Observation; Guidelines of Tidal Observations at Tide Stations; Tide Station Instrumentation; Tide Station Forms and Documents; Calibration of Tide Gauges; Tide Table Reading; Basic Troubleshooting; Earthquakes, Tsunamis, and Storm Surges; Tide Leveling; Tide Station Inventory; and Duties and Responsibilities of Tide  Observers.  After each presentation, there was an open forum between the resource persons and the participants.
     The resource persons for the training were POD-HB Chief Dennis Arsenio B. Bringas; the following POD-HB staff - Norelius G. Baloran, Raul S. Capistrano, Armando B. Amolo, Janer P. Sta. Ana, Michael Jayson S. Morata, Jamaica M. Pinson, Jan Bryan O. Navarro, and Ellison C. Parajinog; and Wilbur Ian Q. Babula of Administrative Division-Support Services Branch (AD-SSB).  The Human Resource Development Section of AD-SSB facilitated the conduct of the training.
     On the second day of the training, the tide observers visited  NAMRIA to pay a courtesy call on  Administrator Tiangco, who was represented by Deputy Administrator Efren P. Carandang.  Prior to the said courtesy call, they were given a tour of the agency’s mapping facilities with Mr. Dante A. Rosette Jr. and Ms. Rina Grace G. Gersalia of Geospatial Information Services Division-Geospatial Information Systems Management Branch (GISD-GISMB) as guide.  The areas visited were NAMRIA Geomatics Training Center, Photogrammetry Division, PageNET Data and Control Center, Cartography Division, and the NAMRIA Museum of Surveying and Mapping.  
     At the end of the training, the participants and resource speakers respectively received certificates of participation and appreciation.  In his closing remarks, HB OIC-and Assistant Director Captain Herbert L. Catapang said that the training would help enhance the capability of tide observers in providing accurate and reliable sea-level data and information.  He also emphasized the uniqueness of the job of the tide observers.  He thanked the staff of HB, SSB, and the GISMB for their support and cooperation in making the event possible.     
 


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