A joint undertaking of MinDA, National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the project is designed to produce 1:50,000-scale Mindanao topographic maps, replacing the 1:200,000-scale maps developed in 1960s.

Luwalhati Antonino, Minda chair, said the new topographic map of Mindanao, “These updated maps are crucial for our planning and programming of strategic and sustainable peace and development initiatives across the island.”

The map was undertaken by Minda along with the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (Namria) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).

“It will serve as support mechanism for a more enabling environment for peace and development in Mindanao, especially with the firming up of the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement,” Antonino said. “The map will also become an essential tool for ensuring integrated disaster planning and management, land use planning, urban planning, environment management, and socio-economic planning.”

The plan is to continue with larger scale maps that will not stop at the 1:50,000 scale topographic map, althought they’re taking it one step ata a time.

Government agencies and local government units in Mindanao that were provided with pre-final copies of the maps are expected to submit their revisions to MinDA before final production. Distribution of final copies to all stakeholders is expected for completion by March next year. 

National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) initially conceptualized the topographic mapping project back in 2009 to update the 50- to 60-year-old topographic map of Mindanao, including the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, and the remote islands of Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi, Turtle Island, and Mambahenauhan Island.

The P500-million project was launched in 2010 as one of the largest grants from Jica in the country.

Source: Mindanao Development Authority