University of the Philippines

Reaction Paper on Geographic Information System

Geology 171 (MTh 10:30-12:00)
Ms. Claire Jabines
Hansel Jake Pampilo
BA Political Science II
July 26, 2012

Geographic Information System:

A Modern Mapping Technology for Provincial Planning in Cebu

Today, the Philippines have been catching up with its neighboring countries in
terms of growth and development, especially in economic aspects. And an example
of this is Cebu which has been one of the most progressive cities of the Philippines
today. Various improvements have been done and there is quite an increase in the
construction of infrastructures in the city, mostly privately-owned ones. And
inevitably, when there is progress as a whole in a country, it comes with it the
development of technology. A case in point is the application of GIS or Geographic
Information System in Cebu, for better planning and resource management.
GIS or Geographic Information System is a computer-based system to collect,
store, analyze, retrieve and display geographic information. It differs from other
information systems because it accommodates spatial data, meaning it stresses
more on the geographical location of an area. It also allows space and time related
analysis, it analyzes the changing trends such as demographic changes in a given
territory. Another feature of GIS that distinguishes itself from other information
systems is its capability to combine or overlay different maps, thus enabling a more
convenient way to analyze the relationships of the given data. Due to this, GIS
becomes a powerful management tool for resource managers, land use planners
and even for the government itself because overlaying digital maps and data
storage allows faster monitoring and analysis of changes through time. For
example, we all know that soil erosion is continuous and happens overtime, so we
cannot expect that the old erosion map ten years ago in an area will still hold true
to the present time, and it also applies to elevation maps on that area because due
to erosion there might be changes in the area. But through GIS, we can still monitor
the erosion phenomenon on an area including relationship of the changes in
elevation and soil erosion.
The provincial government of Cebu has recognized the capability of GIS as a great
help for planners and resource managers, so the German Agency for Technical
Cooperation (GTZ) awarded a grant to the provincial government in June 1991 to
implement a GIS to improve resource management and planning capabilities of local
decision makers. The use of GIS in Cebu is a great edge to maximize its potentials
and capabilities; it could be used in the development of tourist attractions and
preservation of a certain area. It could also be used for risk management. Actually,
the Department of Natural Resources in Manila is using GIS to monitor the mudflows
in the Pinatubo area and to identify suitable relocation sites for the displaced
population, so in the manner, Cebu could use GIS to lessen risks and danger. For
instance, It could be used to monitor the areas wherein there arent safe water for
drinking and also, it could be used to map out areas, wherein the erosion is so great
that there is a possibility of a sink hole, that are not safe for building buildings and
infrastructures.
GIS is a good tool to maximize the capability and capacity of an area for
development but it may not be that easy for a developing country to adapt it for
three considerable reasons. First, acquiring a GIS technology is a highly expensive

investment mainly because it needs input data and to acquire the data, one should
go field surveys and data verification procedures which are very costly and timeconsuming. Second, to maximize the efficiency of the GIS technology, it should have
access to satellites for high resolution satellite images and to observe an area for a
certain period of time which is needed to observe long term phenomena such as
forest depletion, land-use changes, settlement extensions and etc. This is one of the
reasons why it is for the developed countries who have been stable or strong
economically. Or if adapted by the government in developing states, the existence
of a foreign financial assistance is needed. Another reason is that, there will be a
need for professionals who could operate the said technology because it is not that
easy as turning the television on and off and changing the channel whenever you
like. It is characterized by complex ways and processes to operate because it needs
accuracy and precision in encoding the data especially in overlaying the maps. It
needs professionals to do this, but if there are none or the country cant afford to
hire one, it is an alternative to let our highly intellectual individuals do the thing and
train abroad for the specialization of this job and again, it is very costly.
Actually modernization is a good thing, but we should not rush things out,
today Cebu has been focusing on improving even more its economic aspect and I
guess it is the right thing that should be done. Even though, GIS could improve the
economic aspect of Cebu even more through its fast and easy ways, the initial
resources that is needed in order to use the technology is so great that I fear, it
could affect Cebu greatly but if the government can manage to provide sufficient
funds for its application, why not? It could improve Cebu even more!