PNoy cites MRDP’s geo-tagging

DAVAO CITY May 14 (PIA)- Geotagging technology, pioneered by the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) to promote good governance and transparency was cited by President Benigno Aquino III during the MRDP Peoples’ Organization Congress held yesterday (May 14) in Grand Regal Hotel Davao City.

“Gamit ang “geo-tagging”—ulitin ko po: “geo tagging.” Ang ganda pakinggan, ano?—nababantayan at nasusuri ninyo ang pagsasakatuparan ng ating pong mga proyekto.” (Using geo-tagging, I repeat geo-tagging, sounds nice? You can monitor and review the implementation of our projects.) the President said in his speech.

Geo-tagging is the process of adding geographical identification metadata to various media such as geo-tagged photos/videos, websites and short messaging system (SMS).

Also called as geolocation, it comes as a basic digital Global Positioning System technology used as a tool to promote accountability and transparency on all MRDP subprojects and transactions. It helps prevents ghost projects as it provides concrete evidence for implemented projects which can be monitored on the program’s website (www.damrdp.net).

Matutukoy dito ang mga overlapping road projects, at kung may hokus-pokus na nangyayari. Alam po n’yo, ang mga kalsadang sampung beses na ginawa, na wala pang nakakaraan, hindi na ho puwede ‘yan. May “geo-tagging” na nga. (  we can identify overlapping road projects and other hocus-pocus happening, like a road built 10 times and yet no one has still passed through it, that will no longer be allowed, there is already geo-tagging.) The President added.

In an earlier interview Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, praised the effectiveness of the geo-tagging technology particularly in the implementation of infrastructure projects as it helps makes the DA’s program more transparent. “Geotagging would be of big help in project implementation which the World Bank suggests to be done in other projects too.” Alcala said.

Aside from transparency other uses of Geotagging includes measuring distances, reading elevations, organization and preservation of photo documents and mapping out barangay profiles.  Geotagging can also be used in the marketing and site development of eco-tourism areas and the establishment of geo-hazard maps, among its many uses.

Also during the PO congress the President hailed the various infrastructure programs built by the MRDP.

Kaliwa’t kanan pa ang mga kongkretong patunay ng tagumpay ng MRDP. Kasama sa mahabang listahan nito ang kilo-kilometrong farm-to-market roads, mga tulay, patubig, at solar dryer.

Idagdag pa rito ang pagpapagawa ng mga lansangan at agri-fishery infrastructure, na talaga naman pong nagpapaaliwalas at naghahatid ng oportunidad sa mga Mindanaoan. 

“ (Left and right there are concrete signs of MRDP’s success included in this long list are kilometres of farm-to-market roads, bridges, water works and solar dryers, add to this are the construction of roads and agri-fishery infrastructure that is sure to uplift and bring opportunity to many Mindanaoans.) The President said in his speech. (PIA 11/RG Alama)