DREAM holds follow-up Quantum GIS Seminar for LGUs

Just before 2013 drew to a close, the University of the Philippines Disaster Risk Exposure and Assessment for Mitigation (UP DREAM) Program managed to add yet another activity to its already full 2013 calendar. After the giving out LiDAR data to LGUs and holding a LASTools tutorial, this time, a Quantum GIS Seminar for LGU representatives was conducted at the National Engineering Center (NEC) Auditorium last December 23, 2013.

To contribute to the success of the event, more than 40 LGU representatives attended the Quantum GIS Seminar led by prominent speakers such as Dr. Enrico Paringit, UP DREAM Program Leader, DOST Assistant Secretary Raymund Liboro, Engr. Louie Fabila, Chief Research Specialist, and Dr. Mahar Lagmay, Project NOAH Executive Director. The LGU representatives listened to a half-day lecture on how to open LiDAR data sets, how to manage the LiDAR data in Quantum GIS, and the many specific applications of LiDAR data in each LGU’s respective areas using GIS software. LiDAR data was also handed out to those LGUs who were not able to attend the October 17, 2013 Handover Ceremony. Meanwhile, the hour-long open forum at the end of the seminar allowed the participants to voice out their concerns and questions mostly regarding the lecture of Engr. Louie Fabila on Quantum GIS. Many participants commented that the LiDAR data was very helpful for their municipalities and looked forward to in-depth trainings that would be held by UP DREAM on LiDAR data applications. Also, they noted that the maps released by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) be harmonized effectively with the 3D maps being released by UP DREAM as they are basing their planning on these hazard maps.

Mayor Edgardo S. Felipe of Anao, Tarlac graced the said occasion, while the LGUs who sent representatives to the seminar included Gainza, Camarines Sur, Dagupan City, Basista, Calasiao, and Lingayen Pangasinan, Magallanes, Agusan del Norte, Tarlac City and Concepcion, Tarlac, Lubao, Pampanga, Cabanatuan City and Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija. Representatives from the National Housing Authority (NHA) in Quezon City were also present.
Dr. Paringit took the opportunity to announce that DREAM would be conducting a 5-day training in the first quarter of the next year for GIS-literate participants, to further help LGUs and more specifically PAGASA and some state colleges and universities (SUCs) on how to maximize the use of LiDAR data in relation to early warning systems and evacuation plans, taxation, forest inventories, and community development and planning, among others.