04/06/2026
๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐ค๐ฌ๐ก๐จ๐ฉ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ฒ๐๐ฌ ๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ข๐๐ฌ
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region VII (MGB 7), through its Mine Safety, Environment, and Social Development Division (MSESDD), has launched the Intensive QGIS Technical Workshop for Geospatial Reporting and Compliance. This three-batch program aims to build technical proficiency among mining company personnel in QGIS, the open-source geospatial mapping platform that MGB has now officially adopted for its regional Geospatial Database.
The initiative responds to a DENR directive mandating a standardized MGB Geospatial Database across all regions. Mining companies with Mineral Production Sharing Agreements (MPSAs) must now submit accurate, digital shapefiles covering tree plantations, disturbed land, and key infrastructure in DENR and MGB-compliant formats. The workshop prepares technical teams to reliably and consistently meet these requirements.
To address the high costs, limited technical training, and persistent compliance challenges associated with shapefile submissions among mining companies in Central Visayas, MGB VII is providing hands-on training in open-source QGIS as a free alternative to ArcGIS Pro.
Consistent submission of up-to-date, compliant tree-plantation shapefiles remains a challenge for regional mining companies, often due to expensive proprietary GIS software and limited technical capacity. MGB 7 promotes QGIS as a cost-effective, open-source solution to bridge this gap.
Amid tightening environmental regulations and increased public scrutiny, the workshop ensures mining companies can deliver high-quality, standards-compliant geospatial dataโboosting transparency and setting a new benchmark for responsible mining in Central Visayas.
The first batch was completed on May 28, 2026, at the MGB 7 Training Hall in Banilad, Mandaue City. Two more batches run through June, with around 8 to 10 participants per batch drawn from large-scale mining permit holders across Central Visayas.
Mr. Jhon Carlo Aporbo, GIS Specialist at the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), Capiz Provincial Capitol, Roxas City, served as Resource Speaker and Facilitator for all three batches, upon invitation by MGB 7.
Participants received hands-on training in five core modules: data integration (uploading GPS, mobile, and drone survey data into QGIS); spatial mapping (creating polygons and point features from field data); attribute management (encoding data to MGB standards); output generation (producing professional maps and shapefile exports); and compliance protocols (ensuring outputs meet DENR/MGB requirements).
These modules equip participants with the technical and regulatory skills needed to produce submission-ready geospatial outputs, reducing compliance bottlenecks and improving environmental reporting across the region's mining sector.
Upon completing all five modules, participants receive an official Certificate of Completion from MGB 7. (IO/Heart Rizarri)
Story : https://r7.mgb.gov.ph/mgb-7-conducts-intensive-qgis-workshop-for-central-visayas-mining-companies/
