𝗕𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗖 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹, 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗦𝗰𝗶 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗼 𝟰-𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗚𝗜𝗦 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗔𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗼

Personnel from the Biodiversity, Environment, and Natural Resources Research Center (BENRC), along with selected incoming fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (BSES) students, completed a four-day Geographic Information System (GIS) training at Cebu Technological University–Argao Campus from July 30 to August 2, 2025.

The training was facilitated by GIS expert and CTU-AC alumnus Mr. Cesilo C. Albiso, who is currently affiliated with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)–Central Visayas.

The training served as a crucial capacity-building initiative in line with the center’s ongoing DOST-funded project titled Inventory and Morphometric Characterization of Breadfruit Varieties in Cebu. As part of the project, the selected students are serving as field assistants tasked with collecting vital data such as geographic coordinates, geotagged photos, and information on the variety and health status of breadfruit specimens.

Students found the training both informative and engaging, particularly in exploring new software tools like ArcGIS and Google Earth Pro, as well as mobile applications such as GPS Status, GeoCam, and SWMap. Many of them had prior experience with QGIS in their sophomore year, making this an excellent opportunity to expand their GIS skills.

For BENRC personnel, the training is expected to significantly enhance mapping capabilities and support the center’s research initiatives. Mr. Albiso expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute and conveyed his openness to future collaborations.

The said training marks an important step toward strengthening research competencies among students and personnel alike, ensuring that they are well-equipped to support data-driven environmental initiatives in the region.

Via Melvin T. Benemerito