By Joann Allas, Intern

Enabling local sectors to mobilize data-based action, the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand and Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) conducted a lecture-workshop on remote sensing and geographical information systems (RSGIS) today, November 24, at the University Review Center.

AIT Program Officer Ranadheer Mandadi discussed the application of remote sensing technology in agricultural planning and production. Speaking to an audience of 50 representatives from local government units and agencies in Ilocos Norte, including MMSU personnel and students, Mandadi explained remote sensing uses satellite sensors to collect data images and to provide specialized capabilities for manipulating, analyzing, and visualizing those images. Remote sensed imagery is integrated with a GIS. 

“I hope this workshop will empower you as you plan and execute projects and policies in your respective units,” he said. 

For her part, MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis noted that the use of RSGIS can potentially benefit various sectors in the province. 

“We conducted this workshop to identify your needs and capabilities for us to collaboratively develop a customized capacity-building approach. This will eventually enable us to set up a system of space data access, sharing, and utilization,” she said. 

The lecture-workshop was organized by the MMSU internationalization, linkages and partnerships directorate headed by director Mee Jay Domingo, through its internationalization programs unit headed by chief Arlene Gonzales. 

AIT is a leading postgraduate institution that excels in programs related to environment, agriculture, information technology, engineering, and the RSGIS. 

The Philippine Space Agency also conducted a workshop on PINAS (Philippine Space Agency Integrated Network for Space-enabled Actions toward Sustainability) project on Nov. 23-24, tackling the same topic. (HLY/JVBT/DPTJ, StratCom)