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Archives
June 1-30, 2007
DA to unify GIS with support from Taiwanese government
by Ma. Eloisa E. Hernandez
Photos and images courtesy of Joel B. Abunda
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| ArcView GIS software |
“The full potential of GIS can only be realized through a common ground – a unified approach to agriculture and fisheries information management.” Thus stressed Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary Salvador S. Salacup at an inter-agency meeting for the drafting of a proposal for possible funding from the Taiwanese government on 28 June 2007 at the DA Main Office, Diliman, Quezon City.
This led the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), a coordinating and funding agency for agriculture and fisheries research and development (R&D), to draft a proposal titled “Using Geographic Information System (GIS) for Agriculture and Fisheries Development in the Philippines – Installing Unified Information System”.
The important role of information and communication technology (ICT) and GIS to gain competitive edge in the marketing aspect of DA was recognized.
BAR views that ICT and GIS can result in a competitive agriculture and fisheries (AF) sectors providing employment opportunities, especially in rural areas.
The project was designed to enhance the application of geospatial technologies in the planning and management of the AF R&D. It will also provide mechanisms for information exchange on the application and utilization of GIS in AF R&D.
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| Topographic map of CARAGA produced at DA-BAR through
its Geographical Information System (GIS) Unit. |
Through funding support from Taiwan, the GIS can be fully operationalized in the DA-National Research and Development System in Agriculture and Fisheries (NaRDSAF) that can provide beneficial strategy in the implementation of the programs, projects, and activities of the Department. The role of the Taiwanese government is seen as an immense investment in modernizing the Philippine agriculture and fisheries sector.
GIS sets new directions on the 1) expansion of opportunities and innovations in production, 2) expansion of production areas, 3) development of new production areas, 4) development of agribusiness-oriented manpower, 5) installation of new agribusiness management systems of productions, and 6) identification of new uses of information.
The BAR GIS was established and became operational in 1992. The initial stages led to the rapid development and use of GIS application in AF R&D and participation in the Agriculture and Fisheries Research and Development Information System (AFRDIS).
The Bureau, through its BAR Spatial Analysis Information Laboratory (BARSAIL), handles extensive data in many disciplines in agriculture and fisheries also coming from GIS users from other R&D institutions.
GIS or Geospatial is a technology utilizing maps for management of resources, communities, industries, and environment. This has opened doors in effectively managing resources that provide more opportunities for organizational development needed to propel efficient agribusiness actions. GIS includes GPS and Remote Sensing (RS). 
June 1-30 2007 Articles:
:: DZRH's Ito ang Palad ko features two CPAR success stories on ubi and ducks
:: Luzon Cluster A moves forward with technology commercialization; 9 technologies presented
:: DA to unify GIS with support from Taiwanese government
:: BAR links up with private sector to establish bio-fertilizer production facilities in the regions
:: ARMMIARC conducts in-house review and planning workshop
:: BAR participates in DA's ICT and ISSP review workshop
:: FCSSP holds 19th Scientific Conference; Yap promotes sustainable technologies to increase farm productivity and income
:: BAR, Optiserve orient regions on e-Pinoy project and its potentials
:: IP awareness continues with staff bureaus
:: Providing livelihood and protecting the environment through community-based watershed management
:: BAR highlights CPAR projects at 6th Agraryo Trade Fair
:: ACIAR taps Philippines to conduct joint impact assessment studies
:: Linking info gap through GAP
:: International conference on coconut proposed
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