Tuguegarao City—The Cagayan Valley regional offices (Region 2), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) led the recent launch of the Regional Geographic Information Network (RGIN) Geoportal Innovation Hub nationwide replication program.
The RGIN aims to provide accurate and up-to-date geospatial data and information and facilitate easy access to geographic information services and was created to establish a collaborative network of regional and provincial Geographic Information System (GIS) centers nationwide.
DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña earlier recommended the establishment of RGIN Geoportal Innovation Hubs in the regions on August 27, 2019, during the launch of the Cagayan Valley pilot RGIN Geoportal Innovation Hub in Tuguegarao City.
“As DOST Secretary, it is my goal to promote the use of science and technology, for us to provide efficient and relevant services in each region. May the RGIN Innovation Hubs provide solutions to challenges in our respective areas.” De la Peña said during the recent launch. Cagayan Valley was the project’s pilot region where it proved to be successful. The project replication initiative targets six other regions initially — Ilocos (R-01), Western Visayas (R-06), Eastern Visayas (R-08), Zamboanga (R-09), and Regions 12 and 13, also in Mindanao.
Meanwhile, NEDA Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua, for his part, expressed his support for the RGIN replication project. He committed MEDA’s resource support for the operationalization of the RGIN Geoportal Innovation Hubs project.
“We believe that the use of technology, such as the RGIN Geoportal, is the way forward in improving efficiency, effectiveness, and comparative advantage. I am optimistic this will play a vital role in identifying strategies and interventions to fast-track our economic recovery.” Chua stressed.
The DOST and NEDA regional directors from the six target regions where the project will be replicated, signed Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) on their partnership during the launch.
DOST Undersecretary Sancho A. Mabborang and NEDA Undersecretary Mercedita A. Sombilla were also present during the recent launch.
USec. Maborang who was former DOST 02 Regional Director, shared that he has supported the Secretary from the very start of the initiative in establishing regional RGIN Geoportal Innovation Hubs across the Philippines.