BAGUIO CITY, February 19, 2024 – To equip its personnel with skills in utilizing geospatial technology for effective and precise agricultural development, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) conducted a training-workshop for its 30 implementers on geotagging and georeferencing. 

SAAD CAR Assistant Operations Officer Ronan Soriano led a whole day session held last December 15, and was attended by 27 SAAD personnel composed of 16 community development officers (CDOs), 2 data controllers, one (1) information officer, four (4) administrative staff, and four (4) Associate Project Officers; and five (5) Field Operations Division personnel. The primary focus of the activity was to equip the participants with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively leverage location data in their fieldwork.

Geotagging and georeferencing are valuable tools that enable precise mapping and location-based data collection. By integrating these technologies into their work, SAAD CAR implementers can enhance their ability to identify and address the specific needs of agricultural communities in the region. 

Soriano highlighted the key advantages of using geospatial technology, such as enhanced searchability, improved project monitoring, and streamlined market promotions. Geotagged and georeferenced data can connect farmers directly with buyers, reducing the involvement of middlemen and ensuring fair prices. 

The workshop provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of geotagging and georeferencing, including the process of embedding latitude and longitude coordinates into photos (geotagging) and assigning real-world geographic coordinates to digital data (georeferencing). 

Soriano conducted a hands-on session, demonstrating the use of the Garmin Tool, which is utilized by the DA Corn Banner program, for geotagging and georeferencing. Participants were divided into teams and given the opportunity to apply their newly acquired skills within the DA compound. 

The workshop concluded with a presentation and critique session, where each team showcased their geotagged data outputs, providing valuable feedback and further enhancing their understanding of the concepts. 

Ms. Eunice Kedian, SAAD CDO in Abra, emphasized the importance of knowing how to use geotagging and georeferencing tools, stating, “It is better that we know how to use these tools for georeferencing, so that when the time comes, we can effectively apply them in the field.” 

“Now we know how to apply Geotagging and georeferencing and also its importance. We will know how to use it in the field,” added SAAD CDO in Apayao Mr. Serapio Ulabu.

Looking ahead to the first quarter of 2024, SAAD CAR aims to initiate the establishment of approved projects in Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Kalinga, Ifugao, and Mountain Province, following the completion of the social preparation stage in 2023. ###

Writer: Ma. Elena Catajan, DA-SAAD CAR Information Officer