PRESS RELEASE: June 25, 2001
Department of Environment
and Natural Resources
Region IV

Participatory 3-Dimensional Model of DENR
Region IV Administrative Jurisdiction

By: Merlinda R. Manila, OIC, FRDD-Mainland

As a pioneering effort to pursue a proactive environmental sensitivity building and awareness, the DENR Region IV conducted a Seminar/Workshop on Participatory 3-Dimensional Modeling of DENR Region IV Administrative Jurisdiction and Its Environs on May 28 to June 1, 2001. Seventy participants joined the training that include technical staff from regional and field offices of eleven (11) PENROs and twenty-nine (29) CENROs such as Aurora, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mondoro, Marinduque, Palawan, Quezon, Rizal, and Romblon provinces. The objectives of the said seminar/workshop have been (a) to enhance the participants' knowledge on how to establish a 3-Dimensional Model (Relief Map) drawn to scale; (b) appreciate the importance and significance of 3-D Modeling and (c) transfer of data captured on the ground to the relief map.

On June 6, 2001, the DENR Region 4 in observance of its DENR Environment Month exhibited the 3-Dimensional Model made by the participants at DENR Region IV lobby. The 3-D model reflects the entire jurisdiction of DENR Region 4 as shown in different lighted colors such as dark red shade for the regional boundary, the timberland in the green shade, alienable and disposable land in yellow shade, the Malampaya Natural Gas Pipe Project in orange and hotspot areas in light red.

While the 3-D model facilitates the interpretation, assimilation and understanding of cartographic information, the map contours and shapes representing its land resources are now used for planning, strategic protection, development and management of its jurisdiction. Because of the impact of easy understanding on the location of various natural resources, industries, projects, mining sites, critical/hotspot areas, natural parks and other valuable site location, it triggers participatory commitment from all sectors of the society to share their responsibility in the management, development, protection, planning and monitoring the existing and remaining natural resources both in terrestrial, aquatic and air.

The DENR Region IV further supported the implementation of 3-D Models in every province and municipality, in order to increase public awareness of interconnected ecosystems and delineate intellectual ownership of its respective territory. Moreover, relief map model provide stakeholders and local authorities with a powerful medium of facilitating communication and promote harmonious human habitation. Through a genuinely participatory process, the Participatory 3-Dimensional Modeling continuously updates traditional spatial information with people's knowledge that makes information tangible and meaningful to all concerns.

For reference:

LOURDES M. BUCAY
Chief, Regional Public Affairs Office
Tel. No. (63) 02-302-12-93

DENR Cares….DENR Dares….