Center for Geoinformatics - Benguet State University

TRAINING | December 1–3, 2025

That’s a wrap!

For the first week of December, the Center for Geoinformatics successfully concluded its second Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credited training for Registered Professional Foresters. This activity was conducted in partnership with the College of Forestry and the project “Development of Innovative Production Techniques for Planting Materials to Sustain Benguet’s Bamboo Industry.”

Recognizing the growing demand for sustainable environmental planning and management, especially in relation to bamboo species that play a key role in ecological restoration, climate mitigation, and local economic development, the training titled “Species-site Suitability Analysis (SSA) and Species Distribution Modeling (SDM) for Bamboo Industry and Conservation Applications” was conceptualized and successfully delivered.

The methodologies introduced during the training align with ongoing research projects, including “Development of Technology and Innovation Model Farm of Indigenous and Economically Valuable Species to Support Traditional Industries for Forest Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation in Benguet” and “Development of Innovative Production Techniques for Planting Materials to Sustain Benguet’s Bamboo Industry.” These projects served as foundations for demonstrating applied geospatial and modeling techniques essential for strategic bamboo resource planning.

Throughout the three-day training, participants, composed mainly of professional foresters acquired essential competencies in data processing, geospatial analysis, and machine learning methodologies.

Combining lectures, guided demonstrations, and hands-on activities, the training strengthened participants’ capacity to apply GIS technologies, spatial modeling, and machine learning tools for sustainable environmental planning and effective management of bamboo resources.

The activity successfully advanced the shared goal of enhancing geospatial and analytical competencies essential for supporting Benguet’s bamboo industry and conservation initiatives.

Update as of December 2, 2025, at 8:20 AM: The slots for FORESTERS to earn CPD units are now full.

However, foresters may still participate in the webinar without the opportunity to earn CPD credits. Thank you for your understanding.

_______________________________________________________________________

FREE WEBINAR!

Join us for an insightful webinar: “Advancing Geospatial Technologies in Natural Resource Management and Disaster Resilience”!

Discover the transformative power of geospatial technologies in managing natural resources and enhancing disaster preparedness.

📅 Date: December 12, 2025
🕒 Time: 8:00 AM
🔗 Register Now: https://forms.gle/aXnMJsKFcWHtMiHX8

Open to the public, this event is perfect for researchers, practitioners, and anyone interested in exploring innovative applications and emerging trends. Gain valuable insights, learn from case studies, and participate in interactive Q&A sessions with resource speakers.

Let’s learn and work together towards a resilient and sustainable future!

TRAINING | November 18 – 21, 2025

And we did it! The first training conducted by the Center for Geoinformatics, in partnership with the College of Forestry and the project “Development of Innovative Production Techniques for Planting Materials to Sustain Benguet’s Bamboo Industry,” with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credited units for Registered Professional Foresters.

The training, titled “REMOTE SENSING 101: Introductory Training on Remote Sensing, Land Use and Land Cover Change Analysis, and Drone Mapping,” is one of the trainings being offered by the Center as part of the registered extension program of the Center, “Enhancing Geoinformatics Capabilities through Geographic Information System (GIS), Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Mapping, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), and Remote Sensing (EnGAGe).”

Recognizing the growing need for environmental professionals, researchers, and natural resource managers to be proficient in remote sensing and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the four-day training equipped participants, primarily professional foresters with essential competencies in image preprocessing, geospatial analysis, drone operations, and land use mapping. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on exercises, and field demonstrations, the training enhanced participants’ capacity to apply geospatial technologies in environmental planning, natural resource assessment, and disaster risk reduction.

This milestone marks a significant step in strengthening geospatial knowledge and supporting the continuous professional development of practitioners in forestry, environmental science, and related fields.

Stay tuned for more trainings as we continue to expand the geoinformatics capabilities of our partner institutions and stakeholders.







No copyright infringement intended. All rights belong to their rightful owners.

Graduate students taking up the Master of Science in Conservation and Restoration Ecology (MS CaRE) program at the University of the Philippines Baguio also participated in and successfully completed the recently concluded training on Remote Sensing 101: Introductory Training on Remote Sensing, Land Use and Land Cover Change Analysis, and Drone Mapping.

We enjoyed your enthusiasm and active participation throughout the training, and we look forward to seeing how you apply GIS in your research and academic work.

Until the next GIS training!

Alumni from the College of Forestry - Benguet State University currently employed in various SUCs, private companies, Government Agencies, and Local Government Units, successfuly completed the four-day training on Remote Sensing 101: Introductory Training on Remote Sensing, Land Use and Land Cover Change Analysis, and Drone Mapping.

Welcome back to BSU, Alumni Foresters!
It was nice seeing and engaging with you!
Untill the next GIS training.

TRAINING | November 12 - 14, 2025

The Center for Geoinformatics in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture – Cordillera Administrative Region conducted a training-workshop on Plant Pest Surveillance and Monitoring Planning on November 12 – 14, 2025 at Strawberry Hotel, Strawberry Farm, La Trinidad, Benguet. This initiative was designed to enhance participants’ technical knowledge and practical skills on pest surveillance methodologies, monitoring tools, and planning frameworks using GIS technologies.

Through lectures, hands-on activities, and planning exercises, participants were equipped on how to design science-based and data-driven surveillance plans, apply appropriate monitoring techniques, and properly document field observations. The workshop sought to harmonize surveillance approaches across agencies and localities, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and timely reporting that support decision-making at both field and managerial levels.

This enabled agriculturists to apply the techniques that they learned in their workflows to benefit their organizations and communities, ultimately contributing to achieving SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (Climate action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Happening Now!

The Center for Geoinformatics and Department of Agriculture-Cordillera Administrative Region is currently conducting the "Training on Enhancing Pest Horizon Scanning with Maximum Entropy Modeling (MaxEnt) Cum Planning Workshop" at the Strawberry Valley Hotel and Restaurant, Strawberry Farm, Betag, La Trinidad, Benguet.

Researchers from the Center for Geoinformatics, the College of Forestry, and the College of Agriculture actively participated in the 3rd International Conference on Food, Environment, and Culture (ICFEC) held on November 5–7, 2025, at Hotel Supreme, Baguio City. Several research papers from the Center were presented and competed in both the Environment and Food categories, showcasing the University’s growing engagement in interdisciplinary research and innovation.

The conference served as a platform for researchers, practitioners, cultural advocates, and policymakers to share innovative findings, engage in meaningful dialogue, and foster collaborations that integrate scientific inquiry with cultural integrity and community empowerment. As societies continue to confront global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and food insecurity, the conference underscored the urgent need for inclusive and sustainable approaches, those anchored in science, enriched by culture, and driven by innovation.

Conducting research goes beyond academic work; it’s about creating positive change and helping communities become stronger and more resilient. Through studies on disaster preparedness, environmental sustainability, vulnerability assessment, and resource management, such as identifying suitable areas to plant certain crops or mapping landslide susceptible areas, researchers contribute valuable insights that address real-world needs. Rather than remaining passive in the face of societal and environmental issues, research allows us to take action through data, evidence, and innovation. It helps turn ideas into meaningful solutions that build safer, more sustainable, and empowered communities.

!

𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐢!

Researchers from the Center for Geoinformatics and the College of Forestry actively participated and showcased their research excellence in the recently concluded 15th Joint CorCAARRD–CIEERDeC Regional Symposium on Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) Highlights and 8th Student Research Congress held at Ifugao State University. A total of five (5) research papers from the Center were presented across two (2) major categories, reflecting the institution’s strong commitment to advancing scientific inquiry and innovation.

The study titled “Suitability Mapping of Potential Sites for Plantation of 𝐹𝑖𝑚𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑏𝑎𝑚𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑎 ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑠𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑𝑖𝑖 (Anes) and 𝐶𝑦𝑟𝑡𝑜𝑐ℎ𝑙𝑜𝑎 𝑡𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑖 (Banos) in Benguet, Philippines” earned the 𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 under the Oral Paper Presentation (Professional) – 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆, 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 (𝗜𝗘𝗘𝗧) 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝘆. This research forms part of the project “Development of Technology & Innovation Model Farm of Indigenous & Economically Valuable Species to Support Traditional Industries for Forest Restoration & Biodiversity Conservation in Benguet,” funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST–PCAARRD).

Another paper, “Land Use and Land Cover Assessment within the Batanes Protected Landscapes and Seascapes,” was recognized with the 𝟯𝗿𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 in the Oral Paper Presentation (Professional) – 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆: 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲, 𝗔𝗾𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 (𝗦&𝗧–𝗔𝗔𝗡𝗥) 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝘆, highlighting the researchers’ contribution to sustainable landscape management and environmental monitoring.

Other research presentations included:
🌿Urban Forest Cover and Land Surface Temperature (LST) Change Monitoring through Optical and Thermal Remote Sensing Approach

🌿Species Distribution Modeling of Dendrocalamus asper (Giant Bamboo) in Benguet Using Selected Machine Learning Algorithms

🌿Applying a Four-way Factorial Experimental Model to Diagnose Optimum kNN Parameters for Precise Aboveground Biomass Mapping

These research efforts demonstrate the continuing pursuit of scientific excellence and innovation that address real-world environmental and resource management challenges. They exemplify how geoinformatics, forestry, and data-driven approaches contribute to evidence-based decision-making and sustainable development.

Congratulations to all the researchers for their outstanding achievements!👏

Pagpatuloy ang makabuluhang pananaliksik para sa bayan!

A 𝑩𝒂𝒎𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒄 activity titled “𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝑩𝒂𝒎𝒃𝒐𝒐 𝑵𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝑬𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑴𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒅𝒔” was recently conducted through one of the Center’s ongoing projects, “𝐷𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝐼𝑛𝑛𝑜𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑇𝑒𝑐ℎ𝑛𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑃𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑀𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑆𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝐵𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑒𝑡’𝑠 𝐵𝑎𝑚𝑏𝑜𝑜 𝐼𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑦,” in collaboration with the College of Forestry.

The training was held on October 24, 2025, at the College of Forestry’s Benguet Pine Hall and Nursery. It was participated in by students, nursery caretakers, contractors, community members, technical staff, and foresters from the project’s partner institutions, Benguet Corporation, Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company, and various Local Government Units.

The activity aimed to equip and enhance the capacities of its participants and partners with essential knowledge, technical skills, and practical experience in bamboo propagation, as well as in establishing, managing, and operating a productive and sustainable bamboo nursery. This initiative supports the continuous supply of high-quality planting materials for commercial ventures, environmental restoration, and community-based projects, ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of the local bamboo industry.

Furthermore, the activity supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

It also contributes to addressing one of the University’s seven (7) Extension Agenda, Responsive Technology Promotion and Rural Advisory Services.

Let us continue to nurture the bamboo industry as a key driver of sustainable development and environmental resilience in Benguet!