Digital topographic mapping of Mindanao on

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said it is now conducting a digital topographic mapping of Mindanao that is expected to bring about socio-economic development on the island.

The National Mapping and Resources Information Authority (NAMRIA), an attached agency of the DENR, is in charge of the project.

Dubbed “Topographic Mapping for Peace and Development in Mindanao,” the two-year project is a joint undertaking of the Philippine and Japanese governments with a grant of one billion yen (about P300 million) from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

“The project is not only expected to result in socio-economic and peace development in the region but also serves as a commitment for the first 100 days of President Aquino,” Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje said.

Paje said the project aims to update the 205 topographic base maps covering Mindanao at a scale of 1:50,000.

The project also aims to provide base data necessary for development planning, infrastructure development, risk reduction and management, and environmental protection.

Under the joint undertaking, JICA would dispatch a project team and transfer technology to the Philippines, while NAMRIA and the Mindanao Development Authority would facilitate the involvement of other government agencies and non-government organizations.

Paje said JICA, which has set up an office in Mindanao, would subcontract the survey to private contractors, while NAMRIA would monitor the activities.

“Data gathered from the survey activities will be endorsed to JICA for processing. Outputs of the project include reports, satellite images, ortho-image maps, ground control point coordinates, and 1:50,000 scale digital topographic data for geographic information system application which will be distributed to local government units. These outputs will serve as base information data, which will help developers in their projects in Mindanao,” Paje said.