Namria Csu-Hb

28/08/2026

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐏 | 𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐑𝐈𝐀 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟐 𝐨𝐟 ‘𝐁𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝, 𝐁𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝’ 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐲 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐏𝐀𝐏𝐬

The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) conducted the online session “Be Informed, Be Involved Part 2: NAMRIA-Hydrography Branch (HB) Programs, Activities, and Projects (PAPs)” on 20 July 2026. The session spotlighted the Branch’s contributions to maritime safety, coastal resource management, and sustainable marine development. This follows the first PAPs orientation held on 29 April 2026, which covered the initiatives of NAMRIA’s five branches. In line with the guidance of NAMRIA Administrator Usec. Peter N. Tiangco, PhD, CESO I, the session reinforced the agency’s commitment to advancing its mandates through strategic initiatives, innovation, collaboration, and institutional excellence.

The first presentation, “Delineation and Delimitation of Municipal Waters”, was delivered by Mr. Edyson P. Henson of the Maritime Affairs Division (MAD). He walked through the legal framework under the Philippine Fisheries Code (RA 8550, as amended by RA 10654) and the policies and procedures governing municipal water boundaries. He detailed the respective roles of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), NAMRIA, and local government units in the delineation and certification process. The discussion covered challenges encountered along the way and how clearly defined municipal waters help resolve jurisdictional disputes, strengthen fisheries governance, and support the sustainable management of coastal and marine resources.

The second presentation, covering the Hydrography Branch’s Hydrographic Surveys, was delivered by LCdr Kurt Louis A Montemor of the Survey Support Division (SSD). He discussed the Branch’s role in generating geospatial and marine information for navigation, coastal development, and national maritime initiatives, touching on geomagnetic observations, production of the Philippine Isogonic Chart, hydrographic and coastal topographic surveys, and the Branch’s survey vessels, along with key outputs such as hydrographic survey data, nautical reports, and aids to navigation. A recent fieldwork—including a post-earthquake survey in Bogo, Cebu, and a hydrographic survey in Palo, Leyte—illustrated the Branch’s continuing role in maritime safety, disaster response, and evidence-based marine resource management.

The third presentation, “Mean High Water Line (MHWL) Delineation”, was delivered by Mr. Raymond A. Villapa of the Physical Oceanography Division (POD). He explained tidal datums and MHWL’s significance as the reference point A slide illustrating the Philippine coastal zones and MHWL for legal easements, foreshore areas, and no-build zones along the country’s coastlines. He discussed the development and salient provisions of the Manual on the Delineation of MHWL (NAMRIA Administrative Order No. 2023-02), its legal and technical bases, and NAMRIA’s role in providing certified tidal data and technical guidance to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and other stakeholders—citing the agency’s accomplishments in supporting coastal delineation activities across various regions.

The fourth presentation, “Charting the Unknown: Introduction to Nautical Charts”, was delivered by Cdr Maylord M De Chavez, Chief of the Nautical Charting Division (NCD). He covered the fundamentals of nautical charts and their role in safe marine navigation through information on water depths, seafloor characteristics, navigation routes, aids to navigation, and hazards, along with the chart production process and international standards set by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). He also discussed the shift from traditional paper charts to Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) and the emerging S-100 framework for integrated e-Navigation, as well as NAMRIA’s diverse chart users, recent client statistics, and the importance of continuous updates through the Online Maritime Safety Information System (OMSIS).

The discussions were meant to deepen participants’ understanding of the Hydrography Branch’s role in delivering reliable hydrographic, oceanographic, geomagnetic, and nautical information that underpins maritime governance, environmental stewardship, disaster resilience, and the country’s sustainable blue economy.

The program wrapped up with a lively open forum, as participants took the opportunity to ask questions and exchange insights with the resource speakers. In her closing remarks, Chief POD Oceanographer V, Engr. Precious N. Bantilan expressed her appreciation to everyone who joined and actively participated, and extended special thanks to the resource speakers for generously sharing their expertise. The activity was hosted by Mr. Jeffrey A. Quodala, Information Officer IV; and technically supported by Mr. Jeffrey M. Aguillon, Media Production Specialist III, with assistance from Mr. Reniel R. Fernandez, Project Development Assistant I of the Geospatial Information Services Division, Geospatial Information Systems Management Branch; Ms. Nieves Dianne D. Rivera, Administrative Aide VI of the Human Resource Development Section, Administrative Division; and the Planning and Policy Division staff.

Article by Ysabelle Marie R. Recio

28/08/2026

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐏 | 𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐑𝐈𝐀 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐌 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫, 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐠𝐞𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) highlighted the vital role of geospatial information in strengthening the country’s disaster preparedness, response, and recovery during its 2026 National Disaster Resilience Month webinar entitled, From Hazards to Action: Using NAMRIA Geospatial Information for Disaster Resilience. Conducted under the guidance and leadership of NAMRIA Administrator Usec. Peter N. Tiangco, PhD, CESO I, the webinar was held on 31 July 2026.

Around 400 participants from national government agencies, academic institutions, local government units (LGUs), and other stakeholders joined the webinar to learn about NAMRIA’s geospatial technologies, monitoring systems, and digital platforms that support disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM).

In her opening remarks, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Deputy Administrator (DA) Arlene B. Brillantes underscored the importance of NAMRIA’s mandate given the Philippines’ hazard-prone geographic setting. She emphasized that the agency’s role extends beyond the production of maps and charts to providing geospatial information that supports informed decision-making before, during, and after disasters.

“Many people know NAMRIA as the country’s central mapping agency. But beyond producing maps and charts, we provide geospatial information that helps government agencies and communities make better decisions for disaster preparedness, emergency response, and recovery”, OIC-DA Brillantes said.

Among the technologies featured during the webinar were the Philippine Geodetic Reference System (PGRS) and the Philippine Active Geodetic Network (PAGeNet). Engr. Charisma Victoria D. Cayapan, Geophysicist IV and Chief of the PAGeNet Unit, discussed how these systems support the monitoring of seismic activities, thereby enabling accurate assessment of earthquakes and volcanic hazards. She also emphasized that an updated reference frame is integral to a disaster-ready nation, citing Japan as an example of its effective application.

Meanwhile, Oceanographer IV Norelius G. Baloran presented the Sea Level Hazard Monitoring Team (SLHMT) and its role in monitoring sea level changes to support storm surge and tsunami risk reduction efforts. He noted that the SLHMT operates 60 primary tide stations nationwide, generating data that serve as key inputs in the issuance of official hazard warnings.

Data generated from the PGRS, PAGeNet, and SLHMT stations support partner agencies such as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in hazard assessment and risk-informed decision-making. Information System Analyst III Melvin O. Perez demonstrated how these datasets can be accessed through the Geoportal Philippines DRRM Map Application, an online platform developed by NAMRIA that serves as a centralized repository of geospatial information.

In her closing remarks, Geospatial Information System Management Branch (GISMB) OIC-Assistant Director Xenia R. Andres encouraged participants to translate the knowledge gained from the webinar into concrete actions that contribute to building a safer and more disaster-resilient Philippines.

The webinar forms part of NAMRIA’s continuing support for the observance of the 2026 National Disaster Resilience Month and reflects the agency’s commitment to advancing the use of geospatial information in promoting safer, more informed, and more resilient communities.

Article by Oyo Victor G. Gavarra

28/08/2026

14/08/2026

The Philippines expressed its commitment to advancing global geospatial cooperation and promoting inclusive international governance during the 16th session of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM).
Ms. Rosal H. Dolanas, Chief of the Geospatial Database Management Division of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) and one of the session’s Philippine representatives, also welcomed initiatives to enhance marine geospatial coordination, data interoperability, and capacity-building in support of the implementation of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction or BBNJ Agreement.
Under the visionary leadership of NAMRIA Administrator, Usec. Peter N. Tiangco, PhD, 𝘊𝘌𝘚𝘖 𝘐, NAMRIA continues to strengthen the country’s geospatial capabilities, foster international partnerships, and advance its goal of contributing to an inclusive, connected, and sustainable Philippines through its active participation in global initiatives.

🇵🇭At the 16th session of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM), Ms. Rosal H. Dolanas, Chief of the Geospatial Database Management Division of National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), reaffirmed PH's commitment to strengthening global geospatial cooperation and welcomed the progress of the Subcommittee on Geodesy in advancing the Global Geodetic Reference Frame. She underscored the importance of inclusive international governance that reflects the diverse capacities and priorities of Member States. She likewise expressed appreciation to the United Nations Global Geodetic Centre of Excellence (UN-GGCE) for its continued technical support in modernizing the country's geodetic reference system.

Ms. Dolanas also welcomed the establishment of the Joint Working Group on Marine Geospatial Information through the consolidation of the former UN-GGIM–IHO working group, recognizing its role in enhancing global coordination. As a member of the Capacity Development Task Team, the Philippines further supported Singapore's proposal highlighting the contribution of marine geospatial information to the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement through strengthened cooperation, data interoperability, and capacity-building, while avoiding duplication of existing initiatives.



Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines

NAMRIA

13/08/2026

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! 🎓⚓️ Our 15 NAMRIA delegates have officially completed the intensive two-week Capacity Building for Maritime Safety Information (MSI) Program in the Republic of Korea! 🇰🇷🇵🇭
Press play 🎥👇 to see our dedicated personnel in action as they engaged with key maritime and technical agencies in the Republic of Korea, participated in hands-on workshops, learned world-class best practices in MSI, and developed action plans to implement upon their return to the Philippines.
Made possible through the Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP) of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), this initiative equips our team with the technical expertise to help strengthen maritime safety and protect lives at sea.
This achievement reflects NAMRIA’s steadfast commitment to employee learning and development under the leadership of Usec. Peter N. Tiangco, PhD, CESO I.
Together, we are charting the course toward a safer, better-informed maritime Philippines. 🌊🚢🇵🇭

12/08/2026

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐏 | 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭-𝐭𝐨-𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐭𝐨𝐍 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐝

Recognizing that reliable maritime information begins with well-organized and interoperable data, the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) convened maritime stakeholders for the Second Expert-to-Expert Forum on Aids to Navigation (AtoN) Data Harmonization (Data Management) at the Manila Prince Hotel on 15-16 July 2026. As part of the agency’s continuing efforts under the guidance and leadership of NAMRIA Administrator Usec. Peter N. Tiangco, PhD, CESO I, the forum strengthened inter-agency collaboration in AtoN data management and supported the country’s implementation of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) S-100 Universal Hydrographic Data Model.

Opening the forum, Chief Hydrographer of the Philippines, Commodore Carter S Luma-ang, MNSA, Director of the NAMRIA Hydrography Branch (HB), emphasized the complementary roles of the participating agencies in the maritime sector, stressing that their shared mission ultimately boils down to safety of life at sea. He likewise encouraged greater participation of women in hydrography and the maritime sector.

Representatives from NAMRIA, Philippine Coast Guard, key port authorities—the Philippine Ports Authority, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), and Cebu Port Authority (CPA)—and other AtoN partner agencies reviewed existing data management practices and identified gaps and opportunities to improve collaboration and maritime information exchange.

The forum addressed the challenge of fragmented maritime information through three (3) focus areas: (1) data integration, (2) documentation of the AtoN information production line, and (3) standardization of maritime metadata.

The technical sessions commenced with the topic on “Navigating S-100”, presented by Lieutenant Clarizza Mae B Biong of the Nautical Charting Division (NCD), HB, S-100 Focal of NAMRIA, who discussed the IHO S-100 Framework and the status of its implementation. This was followed by Ms. Rosal H. Dolanas, Chief of the Geospatial Database Management Division (GDMD), Geospatial Information Systems Management Branch (GISMB), NAMRIA, who presented the Philippine Integrated Geospatial Information Management (PIGIM) Framework and emphasized the importance of data integration and standards.

Insights on AtoN establishment and maintenance practices were shared by Engr. Fernan Norven M. Abangan and Mr. Leovic A. Moralde of the CPA, together with Engr. Jerome D. Saddi and Engr. Hilarion E. Abitan III of the SBMA. Ms. Relina P. Dolendo, Information Systems Analyst III of GDMD, GISMB, NAMRIA, discussed the fundamentals of data management, while Lt Angelica B Prado of the Maritime Affairs Division (MAD), HB, NAMRIA presented the application of IHO S-12 (Standardization of List of Lights and Fog Signals) and S-53 (Joint International Maritime Organization (IMO)/IHO/World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Manual on Maritime Safety Information) in AtoN data management. Seaman Third Class Anjanette V Alabas of the MAD, HB, NAMRIA, discussed the AtoN notices and warnings.

A highlight of the forum was the workshop facilitated by Commander Lorena Jasmin D Lerio, IMO Member State Audit Scheme Focal and Chief of the MAD, HB, NAMRIA, on mapping the AtoN information production line. The participants analyzed the current handshakes or points of data exchange across agencies from the establishment of an aid to navigation to the dissemination of navigational products. The exercise identified opportunities to reduce unnecessary handshakes, strengthen data verification, and streamline workflows to ensure that up-to-date information is consistently disseminated to maritime stakeholders.
On the second day, discussions focused on strengthening the foundation of maritime data through metadata and database standardization. Engr. Rosalyn D. Sontillanosa, Information Technology Officer (ITO) II of the GDMD, GISMB, NAMRIA, discussed metadata standardization in terrestrial and marine geospatial information management, while Forester Ma. Paz L. Montano, ITO II also of the GDMD, GISMB, NAMRIA, delivered technical sessions on “Deconstructing the S-125 AtoN Data Model” and “Applying GIS Databasing for AtoN Management”. Ms. Dolendo followed the presentations with a session on data population and quality control. The forum concluded with Lt Biong presenting the topic on “Introduction to Modern AtoN Data Standards”, reinforcing the operational rollout of S-125 and S-201 data products under the IHO S-100 framework.

The forum concluded with a reaffirmation of its objective to advance the Philippine maritime strategy by strengthening the implementation of the IHO S-100 framework through closer interagency collaboration, standardized maritime metadata, and more efficient management of AtoN information in support of safer navigation and a more interoperable maritime information system.

Article by Probationary Ensign Janine A Mendoza, NAMRIA

30/07/2026

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐏 | 𝐔𝐊𝐇𝐎 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐡𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐲

Representatives from the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) visited the Philippines from 22 June to 02 July 2026 to assess the hydrographic survey capabilities of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) and the Philippine Navy’s Naval Meteorological and Oceanographic Center (NAVMETOC). The assessment visit was made in preparation for a planned joint hydrographic survey. As part of the agency’s continuing efforts under the leadership and guidance of NAMRIA Administrator Peter N. Tiangco, PhD, CESO I, the assessment visit reinforces NAMRIA’s commitment to strengthening international collaboration and advancing hydrographic survey capabilities.

The two-week assessment was led by Mr. Chris Ford, Senior Hydro Specialist, and Mr. Aaron Jarman, Bathymetry Specialist of the UKHO. The visit commenced with an assessment of NAVMETOC’s hydrographic survey capabilities and operations.

The UKHO and NAVMETOC teams boarded BRP Hydrographer Presbitero at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales on 25 June 2026 to meet with representatives of the NAMRIA Hydrography Branch (HB). During the visit, the NAMRIA team presented its hydrographic survey capabilities, equipment, and operational practices, fostering a productive exchange of technical knowledge among the participating organizations. The following day, the teams conducted an ocular inspection of Nabasan Wharf, one of the identified sites being considered for the joint hydrographic survey.

During the second week of the visit, the UKHO and NAVMETOC teams visited the NAMRIA HB office in San Nicolas, Manila. The visit focused on assessing NAMRIA’s hydrographic data post-processing workflow, including quality control procedures and other processes undertaken before survey data are used for nautical chart production. The UKHO representatives also gained valuable insights into several of NAMRIA’s hydrographic practices, some of which they expressed interest in considering for future activities.

The assessment visit concluded on a productive note, with the UKHO representatives sharing their best practices and providing recommendations on enhancing hydrographic data acquisition, processing, and quality assurance. The exchange of expertise further strengthened the collaboration among UKHO, NAVMETOC, and NAMRIA in preparation for the upcoming joint survey.

The joint hydrographic survey is tentatively scheduled from September to October 2026.

Article by ENS Sam Kristian H Lambus

30/07/2026

🌊 A HISTORIC MOMENT FOR THE PHILIPPINES AND NAMRIA! 🇵🇭

After 15 years of exhaustive research, technical surveys, and scientific preparation, the Philippines has officially presented its Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) submission for the West Palawan Region at the United Nations Headquarters in New York!

Leading the agency’s technical delegation and presenting the comprehensive overview of this monumental project before the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (UN CLCS) was NAMRIA Administrator, Usec. Peter N. Tiangco, PhD, 𝘊𝘌𝘚𝘖 𝘐. Under Usec. Tiangco's steadfast leadership, NAMRIA spearheaded the years-long technical work and strategic planning required to make this historic submission a reality.

The Philippine delegation, headed by Ambassador Enrique Manalo, featured expert presentations that championed the nation's submission:
🗺️ Usec. Peter N. Tiangco, PhD, 𝘊𝘌𝘚𝘖 𝘐 (NAMRIA Administrator) — Overview & Preparation Process
⚖️ Dr. Jay Batongbacal — Legal Aspects & Entitlements
🌋 Dr. Mario Aurelio — Scientific & Geological Data
📋 DFA MOAO Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva Jr - Summary

Huge congratulations to the NAMRIA Management and dedicated NAMRIA ECS Technical Working Group for the years of relentless hard work, precision mapping, and unwavering service to the nation!

We also extend our deepest gratitude to DENR Secretary Atty. Juan Miguel Cuna for his full support in bringing this milestone to the world stage.

Under Usec. Tiangco’s leadership, NAMRIA continues to map, chart, and protect the nation's future! 🗺️✨

The Philippines delivered the official presentation of its partial submission concerning the country’s entitlement to an extended continental shelf (ECS) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), covering the West Palawan Region, before the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), at the United Nations Headquarters.

Read full story 👉🏻 https://tinyurl.com/ycx79vtw

30/07/2026

STRENGTHENING MARITIME SAFETY: NAMRIA Delegates in South Korea for Two-Week KOICA Program 🌊⚓

Happening Now: Fifteen (15) dedicated NAMRIA personnel are currently in South Korea for an intensive two-week capacity-building program on Maritime Safety Information (MSI)! 🚢💡

To ensure safer seas and protect life at sea, our team is engaging with key agencies across the Republic of Korea to learn and bring home international best practices. This initiative is made possible through the Knowledge Co-Creation Program of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), part of NAMRIA’s continuous commitment to employee learning and development under the leadership of Usec. Peter N. Tiangco, PhD, 𝘊𝘌𝘚𝘖 𝘐.

NAMRIA has worked hard to bring its personnel to world-class training opportunities.

Stay tuned for updates as our team levels up for a safer, better-informed maritime Philippines! ✨