Comddap encourages Cebuanos to join 3DPi

CEBU, Philippines - The Computer Manufacturers, Distributors and Dealers Association of the Philippines (Comddap) is encouraging Cebuanos, especially those who spend more time on the Internet, to join in the organization’s 3D Philippines Initiative (3DPi).

Comddap vice president Salvador “Bing” Latrilla said the advocacy aims to create a complete and usable 3D virtual world of the Philippines on Google Earth. This virtual world will be helpful to government officials in their planning for future infrastructure and building. 

“This is very easy with the needed applications such as the Google SketchUp available on the web. Anybody can do a 3D model of their building, school, house and restaurant and upload this to Google,” he said.

Latrilla stressed that Comddap is not into a partnership with Google. The organization just saw the wisdom of the Google Earth.

Many Internet-savvy individuals and organizations across the globe have maximized Google SketchUp and created 3D virtual models of their city or property. For the Philippines , 3D models of Malacañang sa Sugbu and University of the Philippines Diliman, among others are already on Google Earth.

Aside from planning and decision-making, a 3D virtual model of a city, for example, can help its LGU officials design security and crime prevention plans and assist new investors on where to best locate their businesses.

The tourism industry is also one of the many industries that can benefit if there are available 3D models of the country’s historical spots as this will help create interest in the country. The virtual city will also help tourists in the country find their way through.

Comddap has partnered with the Commission on Information and Communications Technology for this movement to reach the government agencies. With regard to the private sector, Comddap jumpstarted the project through the 3DPi SketchUp, a model your campus on Google Earth (GE). The competition, which was launched during the Comddap Expo Manila 2009, is open to all GE enthusiasts, schools and universities nationwide.

The competition is still open. Those interested may upload their entries to 3DPi’s Facebook account. Another round of judging will be held on July 18 during the Comddap Cebu Expo 2010. The winner will get P25, 000.