THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
.
I
 
SENATE 
S. No. 
816 
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INTRODUCED BY HON. MANUEL B. VELAR, JR. 
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EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The modernization of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority 
(NAMRIA) is long overdue. The agency needs fresh fbnding support and a rationalization charter 
that can give it the mandate to undertake its critical mapping functions, which is indispensable in 
a truly effective land use policy of the country. 
Approval of this measure is recommended. 
MAN 


‘04 JWM 30 Plo:o4 
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BY: ,w 
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
816 
S. No. 
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANUEL B. VILLAR JR. 
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 the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “NAMRIA Modernization 
Act.” 
SEC. 2. Declaration ofPoZicy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to ensure the 
prosperity of a nation and free the people from poverty by adopting policies and programs that 
will provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living and 
improved quality of life for all. Policies and development programs, however, must be based on 
reliable and accurate geographic information. Toward this end, the State shall promote and 
pursue the modernization of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority 
(NAMRIA) to a level where it can effectively and fully perform its mandate to act as the official 
surveying and mapping agency of the Republic of the Philippines, and provide the government 
and the private sector with reliable geographic information. 
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms are thus 
defined: 
(a) “Cartography” refers to the art and science of expressing graphically in maps and charts 
or other media the known physical features of the earth and other spatial information. 


(b) “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. 
(c) “Geographic information system (GIs)’’ refers to a computer-based technology used 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. 
(d) “Geographic information” refers to the physical features and other spatial information 
on the earth’s surface which are geographically referenced. 
(e) “Geomatics” refers to the science and technology of spatial information management 
including the acquisition, storage, analysis and processing, display and dissemination of 
geographically referenced information. 
(f) “Global positioning system (GPS)” refers to an all-weather, high precision positioning 
system which determines the three-dimensional coordinates on the earth’s surface from satellites 
to receivers positioned on the earth. 
(g) “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. 
(h) “Geophysical” refers to the structural and physical properties of the earth. 
(i) “Ground receiving station” refers to an integrated facility which includes receiving 
antenna and processing systems used to downlink remote sensing data from earth orbiting 
satellites for recording and archiving of remotely sensed data. 
(j) “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 
conjguration of bottom; tidal phenomena; and location ofjixed objects for survey and 
navigational purposes. 
(k) “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. 


(1) “Nautical chart” refers to a special purpose map portraying water bodies in relation to 
land indicating depths of water, dangers md aids to navigation and other information necessary 
for safe marine navigation and other practical purposes. 
(m)“Physical oceanographic survey” refers to the measurement of tides (sea level), waves 
and currents, salinity, temperature, density, turbidity, nutrient contents, etc. at various positions 
and depths, an expedition for the purpose of gathering water samples and measuring the above 
data. 
(n) “Photogrammetry” refers to the science and art of reliable measurement utilizing aerial 
photography for the purposes of capturing data; and the interpretation of the physical features of 
the earth and other spatial information. 
(0) “Philippine reference system 1992 (PRS 92)” refers to the new national geodetic 
network that was established in 1992 which will serve as primary reference for all surveys and 
mapping in the country. 
(p) “Remote sensing” refers to the science and technology of obtaining information on the 
physical features of the earth through sensing devices which are airborne or mounted on satellites 
evaluating the collected data; and presenting the results in map form and/or statistics. 
(4) “Satellite data” refers to remotely sensed data collected by sensors mounted on satellite 
platforms. 
(r) “Thematic map” refers to a map showing qualitative and/or quantitative information on 
specific features or concepts in relation to the topographic details. 
(s) “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. 
(t) “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. 
(u) “Land reclassification” refers to a system of determining and segregating declared 
forestlands to determine which part is to be permanent forestlands and for other purposes based 
on a set of criteria. 


SEC. 4. 
Objectives of the NAMRTA 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 of acting as the central surveying and mapping agency of the 
government; 
(b) To implement an equipment-priority acquisition program consonant with technological 
advances and calculated to bolster its physical capabilities to hasten the conduct and 
implementation of needed nationwide geodetic, geophysical, topographic, hydrographic, 
oceanographic and land classification surveys essential in its surveying and mapping mandate; 
(c) To establish a one-stop-shop of geographically referenced ocean and land database and 
related information; and 
(d) To implement and institutionalize a continuing human resource development and 
management program for its personnel, as well as to reorganize, revitalize and restructure its 
organizational set-up in order to meet the demands of its modernization program. 
SEC. 5. General Mandate and Responsibility. - Executive Order No. 192, Section 22(a) is 
hereby amended to strengthen the mandate of the NAMRIA. The NAMRIA shall have the 
following general mandate and responsibilities: 
(a) Official Surveying and Mapping Agency. - To act as the government’s official 
surveying and mapping agency and to provide these services to government instrumentalities and 
the private sector, as it pertains to geophysical, cartographic, hydrographic, oceanographic, 
natural resources database surveys and land classification; 
(b) Official Natural Resource Database Depository. - To be the depository and distribution 
agency for ocean, inland waters, land and natural resource database; and 
(c) Ocean and Land Research and Development. - To undertake continuing ocean and land 
research including natural resources database development activities. 
SEC. 6. Specific Powers and Functions. - In order to implement the genera1 mandate and 
accomplish the responsibilities of the NAMRIA in the preceding section, it shall have the 
following specific powers and functions: 


(a) To authorize the conduct of a nationwide geodetic, geophysical, topographic, 
hydrographic, oceanographic, natural resources database surveys and land classification inclusive 
of land use, inland and offshore water; 
(b) To establish and implement technical standards and speciJcations on land and water 
surveys, map and chart production; 
(c) To gather, collate, assess and interpret survey results and transpose these into maps and 
data needed for economic, political and environmental planning purposes; 
(d) To keep an updated and accurate land and natural resource inventory with the view of 
sharing and disseminating these to government agencies and instrumentalities, local government 
units and to the general public; 
(e) To conduct continuing land and water research and studies; 
(f) To provide a continuing education and training program for the NAMRIA personnel 
and the public in the fields of mapping, surveying, remote sensing and GIs; 
(g) To enter into contracts with domestic or foreign companies regarding the acquisition of 
surveying and mapping technological equipment needed by the NAMRIA at such terms and 
conditions most beneficial and as may be allowed by existing laws; 
(h) To receive by devise, bequest, gift, grant or donation, services, moneys, or properties, 
whether real or personal, from domestic or foreign sources, intended to promote the objectives of 
the NAMFUA and to convey and use such gifts, grants or donations; 
(i) To sell, dispose or liquidate the NAMRIA’s products and assets for the purpose of 
generating fbnds for its modernization and implementation of its mandate; 
(i) To create subsidiary corporations to enhance its capabilities in implementing its 
mandates; 
(k) To enter into, make, perform and carry out contracts of every class and description 
regarding the conduct of mapping and surveys, including loan agreements, mortgages and other 
types of security arrangements necessary or incidental to the realization of its purposes with any 
person, firm or corporation, private or public, and with any government or entity; 


(1) To promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out its objectives 
recognizing the functions and the duplication or overlapping of functions of other existing 
regulatory agencies and to lessen government expenditures; 
(m)To exercise such other incidental powers and authority which are necessary or will 
further enhance the accomplishment of the NAMFUA’s goals and objectives; and 
(n) To provide support in the implementation of the Strategic Environmental Plan of 
Palawan pursuant to Republic Act No. 7611 and such other political units as may be similarly 
situated. 
SEC. 7. Board of Governors. - The NAMFUA shall be governed by a policy-making board 
of eleven (1 1) members, consisting of key officials of the following agencies, with no less than 
the rank of undersecretary: 
(a) The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), as chairman; 
(b) The Department of Agriculture (DA), as member; 
(c) The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), as member; 
(d) The Department of National Defense (DND), as member; 
(e) The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), as member; 
(f) The Department of Agrarian Reforms (DAR), as member; 
(g) The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), as member; 
(h) The Department of Finance (DOF), as member; 
(i) The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), as member; 
(j) The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), as member; and 
(k) The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), as member 
and secretary of the Board. 
SEC. 8. Powers and Functions of the Board of Governors. - The Board of Governors shall 
be vested with the following powers and functions: 
(1) To promulgate and prescribe policies, rules, regulations, standards, penalties, fines and 
other security measures related to the performance of the powers and functions of the Authority; 
(2) To approve the organizational structure and staffing pattern of the Authority; 


(3) To recommend to the President, the appointment of the deputy administrators: 
Provided, That the officers and personnel of other ranks shall be appointed by the Administrator 
in accordance with the staffing pattern approved by the Board: Provided, further, That the Board 
may empower the Administrator to engage on a contractual basis or other arrangements for the 
temporary services and fix compensation of highly qualified professionals, experienced technical 
advisers or consulting firms in accordance with existing laws; and 
(4) To exercise such functions and powers necessary to the attainment of the objectives of 
the NAMRIA. 
SEC. 9. OfJice of the Administrator. - The Administrator shall be appointed by the 
President of the Philippines. He must be a Filipino citizen, of good moral character, and with 
recognized managerial competence and experience in the administration of production and 
service-oriented organizations. The Administrator shall have the rank and privileges of an 
undersecretary. The Administrator shall be assisted by three (3) deputies with an equivalent rank 
of an assistant secretary who shall likewise be appointed by the President. 
SEC. 10. Functions and Responsibilities of the Administrator. - The Administrator, being 
the Chief Operating Officer of the NAMRIA, has the following functions and responsibilities, to 
wit: 
(a) Prepare and submit for consideration of the Board a comprehensive national geodetic, 
geophysical, hydrographic, oceanographic, mapping and land classification surveys and resource 
information programs; 
(b) Carry out the functions of the Authority in accordance with the guidelines set by the 
Board; 
(c) Prepare and submit periodic reports to the Board containing the programmed activities 
and financial operations of the Authority; 
(d) Prepare and submit annual work programs, budget estimates and annual equipment 
procurement program for the approval of the Board; 
(e) Submit for consideration of the Board, policies and measures necessary in the 
pursuance of the objectives of the Authority; 


(0 Subject to the approval of the Board, determine the staffing pattern and number of 
personnel of the Authority; define their duties and responsibilities; classify and fix their salaries 
and remuneration in accordance with the revised compensation and position classification 
system; and 
(g) Perform such other functions as may be directed from time to time by the Board. 
SEC. 11. 
Components of the NAMRlA Modernization Program. - The NAMRIA 
modernization program shall consist of the following components: 
(a) Restructuring and Organizational Development - The restructuring of the NAMRIA is 
necessary to efficiently and effectively carry out its general mandate and responsibilities. 
(b) Technology and Strategic Systems Development - The NAMRIA modernization 
program entails the acquisition and installation of appropriate systems and technologies to 
improve its products and services. 
(c) Human Resources Development - To effectively carry out the objectives of the 
modernization program and to attain the highest degree of efficiency, the NAMRIA is 
empowered to: upgrade the skills of its personnel, both civil, commissioned and enlisted 
services; develop, implement and institutionalize a program designed to optimize personnel 
capabilities through a sustained training, and develop strategies to uplifthpgrade the status of the 
NAMRIA personnel performing highly technical taskshesponsibilities to a level commensurate 
to that required of scientists level personnel as embodied in Republic Act No. 8439. 
SEC. 12. Development of the NAMRTA Capabilities. - The NAMRTA modernization 
program shall be geared towards the development of the following capabilities: 
(a) 
Mapping Capability - The NAMRIA, being the official mapping and surveying agency 
of the government, shall continuously develop its capabilities in providing topographic, 
hydrographic, oceanographic and land resource information in the form of digital maps and 
charts within a geographic information system environment. The enhancement of surveying and 
mapping capabilities shall enable the NAMRIA to: 
(I) enhance its capabilities for surveying, mapping, charting and production of other 
geographic information; 


(2) conduct periodic integrated resource afid environmental survey for the generation of 
updated, standardized and reliable quality maps and charts and resource information; and 
(3) offer map users with various land and water resource information. 
(b) 
Information Technology Capability - The NAMRIA shall develop its technology 
structure by establishing a one-stop-shop of geographically-referenced ocean and land resource 
information. The enhanced information technology capabilities shall enable the NAMRIA to: 
(1) eliminate data duplication and at the same time, provide avenues for data sharing with 
other government agencies and instrumentalities; 
(2) in coordination with other concerned government agencies, provide a rapid response 
system to generate maps and charts for disaster management on land and at sea, floodrisk and 
volcanic flows management, soil erosion hazards, aquifer and water supply, and for high priority 
planning and development areas; 
(3) keep up with the demand for complete and updated land, water and natural resources 
database and digital maps; 
(4) provide better access to its products and services such as, but not limited to, global 
electronic networks; and 
(5) speed-up its base mapping and revision and other technological programs. 
Hydrographic, Oceanographic, Geodetic Surveys and Nautical Charting Capabilities - The 
(c) 
NAMRIA shall modernize survey practices and increase its capabilities for hydrographic, 
oceanographic, geodetic and geophysical suhreys and nautical charting. 
The enhanced 
capabilities shall enable the NAMRIA to: 
(1) produce up-to-date paper and electronic nautical charts of the Philippine waters to 
ensure safety of navigation and provide basic reference in planning and executing all marine 
activities; 
(2) in coordination with relevant agencies, delineate the different maritime zones of the 
country; 
(3) provide technical data needed in the judicious delimitation of international maritime 
boundaries; 


(4) generate marine scientific information for use in addressing marine environmental 
concerns and assessment and efficient management of ocean resources; 
(5) Eully densify the national geodetic network to facilitate the integration of existing 
cadastral and other data into the Philippine Reference System of 1992 (PRS 92), and estabIish a 
viable network maintenance program; and 
(6) assist national and local government units in coordination with the Land Management 
Bureau (LMB) and other government agencies on the resolution of administrative boundary 
conflicts. 
(4 
Land Classification and Evaluation Surveys Capability - The NAMRIA shall 
modernize land classification, assessment and evaluation survey practices to enhance its 
capability in providing land status information. This will enable the NAMRIA to: 
(1) 
(2) 
national graphical and statistical database of classified, alienable/disposable and forestlands; 
rationalize the present system of land classification in the country; 
hasten the classification of unclassified lands of the public domain and generate a 
(3) 
potential areas suitable for agriculture and other land uses; and 
(4) 
(e) 
Remote Sensing and Geomatics Research Capability - Given the mandate to undertake 
researches and develop new and innovative techniques in generating geographic information, the 
NAMFUA shall facilitate the creation of a Geomatics Research Center (GRC) and a National 
Remote Sensing Center (NRSC). The creation of a GRC and a NRSC shall enable the NAMRIA 
to: 
hasten the demarcation of the permanent limits of forestlands and reassesdevaluate 
enhance the process of issuance of land status information. 
(1) establish and operate a multi-satellite, multipurpose earth receiving station (ERS) for 
real time and near real-time data acquisition; 
(2) engage in exploratory projects which can improve current methodologies in the 
information science; 
(3) acquire expertise in servicing the geographic information requirements for all sectors in 
the country; 


(4) provide consultancy services to local and international public and private entities in the 
fields of remote sensing hydrographic, oceanographic and topographic, geographic information 
system and information technology; 
(5) participate in international programs and keep abreast with advances in technology; 
(6) optimize the use of its resources by experimenting on the possible linkages between 
technologies; and 
(7) establish standards and procedures in geographic information system (GIs) databases, 
remote sensing, mapping and surveying. 
SEC. 13. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this 
Act shall be charged against the unexpended balance of the current year’s appropriations of the 
National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA). Thereafter, such amount as 
may be necessary for the continued implementation of the NAMRIA’s modernization program 
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 14. Use of Savings. - The NAMRIA shall submit to Congress, within the first quarter 
of the succeeding year, a report on the amount of all unused or undisbursed funds remaining from 
the previous NAMRIA appropriations. The NAMRIA is hereby empowered to use all of its 
savings to implement its modernization program. 
SEC. 15. Procurement System and Tax Exemption. - The NAMRIA is hereby given the 
authority to strengthen its systems and procedures for equipment acquisition, taking into account 
new requirements under the NAMRIA modernization program. 
The NAMRIA’s purchase of equipment for mapping and survey materials such as 
photogrammetric, cartographic, survey, data processing and remote sensing equipment and 
materials, supplies, and spare parts, whether made locally or imported, shall be exempt from 
customs duties and taxes: Provided, however, That importation of these items shall be subject to 
the following conditions: 
(a)That the importation shall be certified by the Board of Governors chaired by the 
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); 


(b) That the importation shall be actually, directly and exclusively used in connection with 
the NAMRIA modernization program; and 
(c) That said equipment and materials, supplies, and spare parts are not available locally in 
sufficient quantity, of comparable quality and at reasonable prices. 
SEC. 16. 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 Appropriations, 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 balanceshavings in appropriations to implement the NAMRTA’s modernization 
pro gram. 
SEC. 17. Transitory Provision. - The personnel of the NAMRIA shall, in a hold-over 
capacity, continue to perform their “respective duties and responsibilities and receive the 
corresponding salaries and benefits until the new classification of positions is approved by the 
Board of Governors. 
SEC. 18. Repeazing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, rules and regulations inconsistent 
with or contrary to this Act are hereby deemed repealed or amended. 
SEC. 19.SeparabiZity Clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be unconstitutional or 
invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in Eull force and effect. 
SEC. 20. 
Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days’from 
its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of national circulation. 
Approved,