DAR conducts training on Geo-Tagging & Geo-Mapping in CAR

The Department of Agrarian Reform – Cordillera Administrative Region (DAR-CAR), hosted the “Training on Geo-Tagging and Geo-Mapping Technology for Sustainability Monitoring and Evaluation (SME) of Completed Infrastructure Sub-projects on November 19-23, 2019 in Baguio City.

            The training – workshop would   equip the participants with the technology that  is geared towards the preparation of SME reports and Agrarian Reform Community  (ARC)  / ARC Cluster Maps for integrated area development planning, project development, monitoring and evaluation.

            Geo-tagging is a tool used to obtain information on the exact geographical coordinates of a specific location on map using Global Positioning System (GPS).  DAR uses GPS enabled cellular phones where data and information obtained are processed and uploaded to Google Earth pointing to its exact location.  Computer software and applications such as Quantum Geographical Information System (QGIS), GeoSetter, GeoCam and My Tracks are also needed to translate the processed data and information into a map.   

            Ms. Theresa A. Baul, Project Development Officer V and technical staff from the DAR Project Management Service (PMS) and Support Services Office (SSO), headed the training team under the  Office of Assistant Secretary Ma. Celerina G. Afable of  DAR Central Office.

            At least 64 participants from DAR regions I, II, III and Cordillera attended the training. They  are composed of regional and provincial Small Medium Enterprise and Community Institutional Development (CID) point persons who are responsible for the tracking and monitoring of on-going and completed infrastructure and agri-business projects of DAR.

             Before the awarding ceremony, the participants proudly presented their outputs for critiquing and   Yolanda Liddawa of CAR, admittedly said that “kahit Grade 1 lang ako sa very high tech na technology training na ito, at napakahirap para sa akin na medyo me edad na, masasabi ko na marami akong natutunan dahil sa matiaga at mababait na mga trainers at facilitators”.   The work of Ms. Liddawa was chosen as best map output for CAR alongside with Regions I, II and III.

            The activity ended up with the impression that the participants, mostly beginners and non-Engineers, are now capable of preparing Location Maps, Synthesis and Thematic Maps for ARCs  / ARC Cluster Development Plans (ARCs / ARCCDPs).   By Willie Garcia