Strengthening Spatial Planning: GIS Training Empowers LGU Prosperidad Employees

Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur — In a continued effort to enhance data-driven governance and improve local planning processes, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Prosperidad successfully conducted the Strengthening Spatial Planning: GIS Training for LGU Employees from April 20 to 23, 2026. The four-day capacity-building activity brought together personnel from various municipal offices to develop their technical skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Participating in the training were representatives from the Municipal Planning and Development Services Office (MPDSO), Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Municipal Engineering Office (MEO), Municipal Treasurer’s Office (MTO), Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), Municipal Assessor’s Office (MASSO), and the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (LEDIPO).

The training was facilitated by Engr. John Cris C. Malupa, EnP, and Sir Julius D. Espejon from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Region XIII, who guided participants through a structured learning approach—from foundational concepts to more advanced GIS applications.

The activity began with basic GIS principles, introducing participants to spatial data, map interpretation, and the importance of geospatial information in governance. As the sessions progressed, participants were exposed to advanced techniques such as spatial analysis, thematic mapping, and data visualization, all of which are essential in planning and decision-making processes.

Anchored on the goal of strengthening spatial planning, the training provided both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Participants engaged in practical exercises involving GIS s oftware, allowing them to collect, process, and analyze spatial data relevant to land use planning, zoning, and various local development initiatives. These exercises were designed to directly support the municipality’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and other sectoral plans.

By the end of the training, participants successfully crafted their own maps aligned with the specific functions and responsibilities of their respective offices. These outputs demonstrated how GIS can be effectively utilized in areas such as disaster risk reduction, environmental management, infrastructure planning, agriculture, and economic development.

This initiative underscores LGU Prosperidad’s commitment to building institutional capacity and promoting evidence-based planning. With enhanced GIS competencies, municipal employees are now better equipped to improve planning accuracy, streamline processes, and deliver more responsive and data-driven public services to the community.

DIO: Michel Rema B. Tumulak