REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1658

House Bill No.

Introduced by MAGDALO Party-List Representative
HON. MANUEL DG. CABOCHAN II

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) was created in 1987
by virtue of Executive Order No. 192. NAMRIA is the government’s central mapping
agency, depository and distribution facility for natural resources data of the country. The
agency is responsible for the establishment of a nationwide geodetic network of control
points that serves as common reference system for all surveys in the country. The research
being conducted by the agency is instrumental for development planning, environment and
natural resource management, and delineation of maritime territories.

In order for the NAMRIA to realize their mandate as the central surveying and mapping
agency of the Republic of the Philippines, and provide the government and the private sector
with reliable geospatial information, this proposed measure pushes for the modernization of
the NAMRIA for them to effectively contribute to the planning and implementation of
development programs of the country.

In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought.

HON. >ABOCHAN Il
Representative
Magdalo Para sa Pilipino Party-List


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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1658
House Bill No.

Introduced by MAGDALO Party-List Representative
HON. MANUEL DG. CABOCHAN III

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MODERNIZATION OF THE NATIONAL MAPPING AND
RESOURCE INFORMATION AUTHORITY (NAMRIA), AMENDING CERTAIN
PORTIONS OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 192, SECTION 22(a) AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as “NAMRIA Modernization
Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to ensure
the prosperity of the nation and free the people from poverty by adopting policies and
programs that will ensure national security, and provide adequate social services, stimulate
and improve the efficiency of economic activities, empower the people to raise their standard

of living, and increase their resiliency against climate change, and natural and man-made
disasters.

The State recognizes the importance of accurate geospatial information in the
planning and implementation of economic development programs. The State shall therefore
promote and pursue technology-based infrastructure and facilities for data acquisition,
production, integration, sharing and widest dissemination of geospatial information. This
shall be achieved through the modernization of the National Mapping and Resource
Information Authority (NAMRIA) to enable the agency to effectively and fully perform its

mandate to act as the central surveying and mapping agency of the Republic of the


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Philippines, and provide the government and the private sector with reliable geospatial
information.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. For purposes of this Act, the following terms are thus

defined:

a) Aerial Photograph - refers to a photograph of the earth’s surface taken from an
aircraft in flight.

b) Base map - refers to a map or chart showing certain fundamental information,
used as a base upon which additional data of specialized nature are compiled or
overlaid,

©

Elevation - refers to the vertical distance of a feature of the earth’s surface from a
reference level such as sea level.

d

Environment and Natural Resource (ENR) Datasets - refers to datasets on specific
characteristics of land and water areas such as land cover and land use, as well as

their legal and regulatory status such as protected areas, national parks, mineral
reservations, etc.

@)

Geospatial- refers to the geographic location and characteristics of natural or
constructed features and boundaries on, above, or below the earth’s surface; esp.
referring to data that is geographic and spatial in nature.

£) Geospatial Information - is information describing the location and names of
natural and cultural features beneath, on or above, or below the earth's surface. It
includes the basic information found on a topographic map, but also includes
different location-related datasets combined into complex layers that show
information such as land use and population density

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Geodetic network - refers to a network or system of points selected in a definite
manner, marked on the ground and accurately surveyed, serving as control

points for topographical surveying and geodetic measurements on the ground.


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h) Geodetic survey - refers to the type of surveying which considers the size and
shape of the earth. This type of survey covers a large area and intends primarily to
establish a reference system from which all other surveys are referred to.

i) Geodetic reference system - refers to a coordinate system and a set of reference
points, used to locate points or objects on the Earth.

i) Geographic information system (GIS) - refers to a computer-based technology for
capturing, storing, editing, manipulating, analyzing and displaying geographic
information, The system provides rapid access and exchange of information. Data
inputs include maps, remotely sensed data and statistics.

kj

Geodetic coordinates - refers to the three-dimensional coordinates on the earth’s
surface as expressed in latitude, longitude and height above mean sea level
measured on the spherical earth,

1) Geophysical - refers to the structural and physical properties of the earth.

m) Hydrographic survey - refers to a survey having for its principal purpose the
determination of data relating to bodies of water to include: depth of water; nature
and configuration of bottom; tidal phenomena; and location of fixed objects for

survey and navigational purposes.

n)

Land classification - refers to a system of determining and segregating which part
of the unclassified lands of the public domain are to be declared as forestland and
those as alienable or disposable lands.

°

Mapping - refers to the representation on a plane surface, at a given scale, of the
physical features (natural or artificial) of a part or the whole of Earth’s surface, by

means of signs and symbols.


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p) Nautical charting - refers to the process of compiling, constructing and
reproducing a special purpose map (called a chart) for marine navigation or other
particular purposes.

@ Nautical chart - refers to a special purpose map portraying water bodies in
relation to land indicating depths of water, dangers and aid to navigation and other
information necessary for safe marine navigation and other practical purposes.

1) Physical oceanographic survey - refers to the measurement of tides (sea level),
waves and currents, salinity, temperature, density, turbidity, nutrient contents, etc.
at various positions, depths and time; an expedition for the purpose of gathering
water sample and measuring the above data.

Satellite Imageries - refers to imageries of the earth’s surface taken from an
artificial satellite in orbit.

t) Surveying - refers to the orderly process of determining data relating to any
physical characteristics of the Earth such as the location or boundaries of land or

bodies of water.

u)

Topographic map- refers to a graphic representation of the earth’s surface
showing the relative size, position of features, and relief at a given scale.

v)

Topographic Survey- refers to the surveys made to determine the configuration of
the Earth’s surface and to locate natural and cultural features on it

SEC. 4. Objectives of the NAMRIA Modernization Program. — The NAMRIA

modernization program shall be implemented in accordance with the following objectives:

(a) To enhance and modernize its present capabilities to undertake programs and
projects in furtherance of its mandate as the central surveying, mapping and

resource information agency of the government;


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(b) To implement a modern data acquisition program and to upgrade its capabilities in
the conduct of geodetic, geophysical, topographic, hydrographic , oceanographic
and land classification and related surveys;

(©) To improve and accelerate the production and management of analog and digital
geospatial products and services;

(@) To establish a national geospatial data infrastructure that will ensure inter-
operability of geospatial data, and facilitate the integration, sharing, and
dissemination of geospatial data produced by different agencies and organizations;
and

(e) To implement a continuing human resource development and management
program for its personnel, as well as to reorganize, revitalize and restructure its
organizational set-up, as needed, in order to meet the demands of its
modernization program,

SEC. 5. Components of the NAMRIA Modernization Program. — The NAMRIA

modernization program shall consist of the following components:

(a) National Topographic Base Mapping Program. The program involves the
continuing acquisition of high-resolution imageries of the earth’s surface (such as
satellite imageries and aerial photographs), high-resolution elevation data, as well
as digital map production systems to provide nationwide map coverage and
periodic updating thereof.

(2) National Geodetic Network Development. The program involves development and
maintenance of a globally consistent geodetic reference system that will serve as
reference for all surveying and mapping activities in the country

(c) Hydrographic, Oceanographic and Nautical Charting Program. The program
involves the measurement of the physical features of the oceans and seas for the
production of nautical charts for safety of navigation within Philippine waters and

sustainable use of the country’s coastal and marine resources.


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(@) Environment and Natural Resources Mapping Program. The program involves
the production of up-to-date environment and natural resources datasets and maps
for use of government agencies, local government units, business and the general
public,

(e) Philippine Geospatial Data Infrastructure. ‘The program involves the
establishment and management of an online access facility to enable integration
and sharing of geospatial data generated by government agencies, the academe
and other organizations using a common set of standard topographic base maps.

(®) Human Resource Development - The program includes upgrading the skills of
NAMRIA’s personnel, both civilian, commissioned and enlisted services;

develop, implement and institutionalize a program designed to optimize personnel
capabilities through sustained trainings.

(g) Research, Development and Extension. The program involves the assessment of
existing and development of new systems and procedures to enhance the delivery
of NAMRIA products and services, and support the development of the geospatial
information industry in the country.

SEC. 6, All government agencies, Local Government Units, State Universities and
Colleges, Government Owned and Controlled Corporations, and other Government
Instrumentalities are mandated to coordinate their geospatial information activities with
NAMRIA to avoid duplication of efforts and optimize the use of geospatial resources.

SEC. 7. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act

shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act

SEC. 8. Use of Income. - The NAMRIA is hereby authorized to utilize any income

derived from its products and services in furtherance of the objectives of this Act.


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SEC. 9. Reporting Requirements. — Within the first quarter of the succeeding year,
the Administrator of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority through the
Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources shall submit to the House
Committee on Appropriation, the Senate Committee on Finance, and the Committees on
Science and Technology of both Houses of Congress, a detailed report on the utilization of
prior year’s expended balances/savings in appropriations to implement the NAMRIA’s

modernization program.

SEC. 10. Transitory Provision. — All existing laws, rules and regulations governing

the NAMRIA shall continue to be in effect until repealed, revised, or amended.

SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, rules and regulations

inconsistent with or contrary to this Act are hereby deemed repealed or amended.

SEC. 12. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act shall be unconstitutional

or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 13. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days from

its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of national circulation.

Approved,