The Caraga Center for Geo-Informatics (CCGeo) and the Geo-SAFER Agusan Project conducted a Training on the Principles and Applications of Geographic Information System (GIS) Module 1 last October 8-12, 2018 at Grand Palace Hotel, Butuan City for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Caraga.

Faculty-researchers from Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU), Saint Joseph Institute of Technology (SJIT), Surigao Education Center (SEC), Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT) and Caraga State University (CSU) were given lectures and hands-on exercises about Basic GIS, Cartography and Spatial Analysis during the 5-day event. The training is part of a series of activities under the Geo-Informatics Capability Building Program of CCGeo and Geo-SAFER Agusan.

Technical experts from the Geo-SAFER Northern Mindanao/Cotabato Project shared their knowledge and skills during the “Training on Watershed Characterization Cum Vulnerability Assessment and Preparation of Integrated Watershed Management Plan (IWMP) held on September 1 – 7, 2018 at the Mt. Sabrina Panoramic view and Resort, Tambler, General Santos City. The training was organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 12 and was participated by representatives from inline DENR Regional, Provincial and Municipal/City offices.

Working towards a flood-resilient Caraga is a goal that should be extended to the community. Bearing its objectives and advocacies, the Geo-SAFER Agusan Project joined the celebration of the Caraga Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) 2018 last September 5-8 at Robinsons Mall, Butuan City.

Being one of the RSTW 2018 exhibitors, Geo-SAFER Agusan showcased its Augmented Reality Sandbox, an interactive model that teaches geographic, geologic, and hydrologic concepts to its users. Students, government employees, kids, and other exhibit-goers who visited the Geo-SAFER Agusan booth had their first-hand experience in shaping topography models using real sand and placing their hands above the sand, simulating ‘rain’ in near-real-time.