NAMRIA, through its Geomatics Training Center (GTC), conducted an Advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) training for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VI. The training was held at Go Hotels, Iloilo City from 05 to 09 December 2022, and attended by a total of 25 middle-level and technical personnel from the regional office.

 

The conduct of the face-to-face Advanced GIS training stemmed from a Memorandum of Agreement signed on 29 November 2022 by NAMRIA Administrator, Usec. Peter N. Tiangco, PhD; DENR Regional Executive Director, Forester Livino B. Duran; and DENR Region VI Administrative Division Chief Ernest C. Federiso.

 

The Advanced GIS training sought to support DENR in integrating technology for a more efficient economic, social, and environmental data analysis. The course was designed to expose the participants to the advanced techniques of collecting, curating, analyzing, and understanding spatial data; and to communicate technical findings on a broad range of environmental protections. The training was also one of DENR’s initiatives to improve the technical skills of its employees.

 

The training topics included a review of basic GIS, spatial query and analysis, GIS functions and applications in data management, geoprocessing tools and digital elevation model, global navigation satellite systems, and spatial overlay and analysis. On the last day of the training, the participants were able to create thematic maps beneficial for DENR Region VI as one of the required final outputs. The participants’ average pre-test and post-test results were 61.60% and 88.80%, respectively; and their average evaluation of the training was "very satisfied" with a 98.90% result.

 

The NAMRIA training team was composed of Engr. Rosalyn D. Sontillanosa as the resource person, with Nilca Jane F. Fabellon and this writer as the technical facilitators/assistants.