With the approval of Administrator, Usec. Peter N. Tiangco, PhD, and demonstrating its readiness to contribute to various development initiatives, NAMRIA participated in the launching of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-led "Kalayaan Project: Bayanihang Adhikain, Bayaning Aksiyon." The event was held at Pag-asa Island in the Municipality of Kalayaan in Palawan on 26 April 2023. The agency participation was made possible through a composite team from the Mapping and Geodesy Branch, Hydrography Branch, and Support Services Branch.

 

The project is about empowering the local government unit (LGU) by providing resources needed to uplift the lives of its residents. It is aligned with the current administration's thrust to extend government services to the remotest areas, particularly those belonging to the fourth and fifth class municipalities. (Source: https://palawan-news.com/dilg-sec-abalos-launches-kalayaan-project-bayanihang-adhikain-bayaning-aksiyon/)

 

DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr. was joined by representatives of various participating agencies, such as the Department of Health, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, National Economic Development Authority, Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine National Police.

 

In a dialogue with the LGU officials, the agency representatives presented the ongoing as well as planned development projects on the island, such as the reconstruction of the municipal hall, school building, and health facilities that were damaged by Typhoon Odette; skills training on food processing and organic agriculture production; and solid waste management programs, to name a few.

 

This writer, representing NAMRIA in the meeting, mentioned the ongoing hydrographic survey in Pag-asa Island and vicinities to update the nautical chart and ensure safety of navigation in the area. She also mentioned the establishment of the PKLY Active Geodetic Station atop the Municipal Evacuation Center Building as part of the Modernization of the Philippines Geodetic Reference System. She also relayed NAMRIA's continuing commitment to provide reliable fundamental geospatial information to support the development projects on the island. The launching of the Kalayaan Project concluded with a fellowship lunch with the LGU and a tour around Pag-asa Island.