The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) recently finalised its strategic planning project after an intensive six-month planning process together with the Australian Agency for International Development, the Philippines-Australia Human Resource and Organisational Development Facility and People Sparx Incorporated.

According to NAMRIA Administrator Peter Tiangco, through the strategic planning project, NAMRIA has found its “True North”, which is a vision of a geospatially empowered Philippines by 2020.

Tinagco shared that by 2020, geospatial information will be deemed mission-critical for all government agencies in their respective socio-economic and developmental activities across all sectors.

NAMRIA’s new strategy map sets a clear vision and lays down a roadmap in order for the agency to meet its goals. It aims to facilitate an effective and efficient management of the country’s geospatial resources. In addition, it also seeks to provide accurate, timely and accessible topographic maps nautical charts, and other geospatial products and services.

Strategic initiatives under the new roadmap include: Topographic base mapping; Geodetic network development; Hydrography and nautical charting; Physical Oceanographic Surveys; Environment and Natural Resources Mapping; Geospatial Information Management Program; Partnership Development Program; Facilities and Equipment Development Program; Organisational Performance Management; Research Development and Extension on Mapping and Geospatial Information Management; Strategic Human Resources; and Morale and Welfare Program.

The aforementioned projects were presented to stakeholders from agencies such as the City Governments of Marikina and Taguig, Department of Education, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Health, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Tourism, Forest Management Bureau, Maritime Industry Authority, Metro Manila Development Authority, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, National Anti-poverty Commission, Office of Civil Defense, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Philippine Navy Ocean Littoral Affairs Group, and 2GO Group Inc.

The agency thanked its partners and stakeholders for supporting their vision and advocacy for a geospatially empowered Philippines.

Since stakeholder participation is crucial to the success of any project, before her retirement, former Deputy Administrator Linda Papa assured stakeholders that NAMRIA will carry out its commitment to sustain the strategic planning project and to maximise the learnings gained from previous projects and stakeholder collaborations.

She also encouraged the agency’s partners and stakeholders to “continue to be with NAMRIA in its next journeys and to be with the agency as they altogether savour the fruits of these relationships.”