FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
) 
7 flu:{ 13 I 5  ' 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
1 
S. Bill No. __ 
Introduced by Senator GREGORIO B. HONASAN II 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) 
plays a vital rokbeing the sole custodian of all land-resource-related information 
and central mapping agency, depository and distribution facility of land and 
natural resources data, in the achievement of national development goals and 
objectives of our country. 
However, the NAMRIA lacks innovative strategies and state-of-the-art 
resource information and technologies, thus such current difficulty limits and 
hinders any initiative and endeavor in fulfilling its mandate. The agency's 
available information or data which are necessary for efficient use of land 
resources are found to be inadequate and grossly antiquated. 
In order to respond to the challenges of progress, it is an opportune time to 
promote and puisue the modernization of the NAMRIA. which shall be at the 
forefront of national planning and development. 
This propased measure seeks to provide a modernization program for the 
NAMRIA in order to effectively and efficiently fulfill its mandate, which aims:- a: 
To promote the conservation and management of the country's natural resources; 
b) To develop th'e agency's present capabilities by implementing an equipment 
acquisition program consonant with technological advances, as follows: 
I 
! 
a) Enhankement of mapping capabilities to digital technology; 
b) Develdpment of information technology capability through establishing 
a onecstop source of geographically referenced ocean, land, and 
resource database information; and 
C) 
Improvement of data acquisition capability through establishment of 
ground receiving station, upgrading of surveys and charting 
capabilities and improvement of research and development capability. 
Such modernization program shall have the following components: 
a) Restructuring and organizational development. 
b) Technology and strategies systems development 
c) Human resources development 
This bill dlso intends to help address the country's weak institutional 
mechanisms and systems on disaster risk management. 
It further ljroposes to benefit the local government units, various national 
planning agencies and private sectors. The benefits and assistance upon the 
completion of the NAMRIA Modernization Program shall be as follows: 


1. Local Government Sector. 
Regional, Provincial, municipal, and 
integrated area development planning, zoning and control of land use; 
establishment of boundaries of local government units (LGUs), barangay roads 
and water systems; classification of LGUs according to levels of development, 
effective implementation of the Local Government Code; provision of a stable 
base of 
information for tax mapping operations and efficient real estate tax 
collection system; litigation of land cases and processing of applications for 
certificates of land titles; assessment of taxes and other revenue generating 
programs. 
2. Economic Sector. 
Physical framework planning; monitoring and 
evaluation of geographic locations; planning of urban, regional and economic 
growth centers and countryside development. 
3. Agriculture Sector. Planning, geographic location of agricultural support 
services; identification of areas suitable for agriculture; formulation of food 
security measures and prediction of food yields; Comprehensive Agrarian Reform 
Program Monitoring; integrated forestry programs. 
4. Environment and Natural Resources Sector. 
Regulations and 
disposition of publidforest lands; monitoring the exploitation and depletion of 
natural resourcks; resources development and conservation planning; 
environmental and forest protection; watershed management, and resource 
policy formulatiob; support to legislation such as: Irrigation Crisis Act, Forestry 
Code, Mining Law, National Land Use Code, Land Code, National Integrated 
Protected Areas System Law, among others. 
5. Public Works Sector. Infrastructure planning, design and development; 
facilities planning and management; location of facilities including but not limited 
to water pipes, blectrical, and telephone lines for proper repair, maintenance, 
building, and excavation scheduling; formulation and utilization of long term 
programs of disaster prevention through preventive infrastructure. 
6. National Defense Sector. 
Planning strategic and intelligence 
operations; mapping out territorial limits of the country for security purposes. 
7. Transportation, Communications, and Tourism. 
Development of 
effective traffic rhanagement system; efficient road planning, alternative route 
management, and other areas of concern for public transport needs; road 
condition monitoring; railroad planning; navigable river and coastal shipping 
reference for the kievelopment of a feasible alternative passenger system. 
8. Health $nd Social Welfare Sector. Physical planning of health support 
services and surveys; relief operations planning; disaster management guide; 
hazard and'risk &valuation; formulation of disaster preventive programs. 
9. Education Sector. Updated reference materials. 
10. Private Sector. Thematic mapping, selection and development of sites 
for real estate qnd other development; efficient delivery of services; and to 
furnish, at minimal cost, integrated and comprehensive land database. 
immediate enactment of this 
In view of the foregoing 
/ 
proposed measure into law is earnestly sought 
/ 
GRE 
RIO 6. HONASAN II 
7 Senator 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
1 
S E N A T E  
Introduced by Senator GREGORIO B. HONASAN II 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE MODERNIZATION OF THE NATIONAL MAPPING AND 
RESOURCE INFORMATION AUTHORITY (NAMRIA) 
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 “NAMR/A 
Modernization Act of 2007” 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy.- It is hereby declared the policy of the 
State to promote a just and dynamic social order that shall ensure the prosperity 
and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies 
that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard 
of living and an improved quality of life for all. However, national development 
and policies must be based on current information on land resources. The 
National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), as sole 
custodian of all land-resource-related information, shall therefore be a prime 
mover of national development planning. Towards this end, the State shall 
promote and pursue the modernization of National Mapping and Resource 
Information Authority (NAMRIA) to a level where it can effectively and fully 
perform its mandate to act as the central surveying and mapping agency of the 
Republic of the Philippines. 
SEC. 3. Objectives of the NAMRIA Modernization Program: - 
a) To promote the conservation and management of the country’s natural 
resources by assisting the various agencies of government in their 
efforts toward the proper determination of the country’s land 
boundaries and land use patterns, forest lands, ancestral domains, 
maritime boundaries and other related physical, geographic, 
demographic and socio-economic characteristics; 


b) To develop its present capabilities as the central surveying and 
mapping agency of the government by implementing an equipment 
acquisition program consonant with technological advances to hasten 
the conduct of needed nationwide geodetic, topographic, hydrographic 
and oceanographic surveys; and 
c) To establish a one-stop shop of geographically referenced ocean and 
land database and related information. 
SEC. 
4. General Mandate and Responsibilities. - The NAMRIA shall have 
the following general mandate and responsibilities: 
a) To act as the Government's central surveying and mapping agency 
providing 
map-making 
and 
related 
services 
to 
government 
instrumentalities; 
b) To be the official depository and distribution agency for land and 
natural resources database; 
c) To conduct land and natural resources classification surveys, inclusive 
of all marine resources within the maritime zones; 
d) To undertake continuing ocean and land research and natural 
resources database development activities; and 
e) To upgrade, modernize and' acquire appropriate surveying and map 
making technology and equipment. 
SEC. 5. 
Components of the NAMRIA Modernization Program. - The 
NAMRIA Modernization Program shall consist of the following components: 
a) Restructuring and Organizational Development.- Aims to effectively 
and efficiently carry out the nationwide coordination of geographic 
information development activities and to strengthen research and 
development program; 
b) Technology and Strategies Systems Development.- Aims to provide a 
mechanism for the acquisition and installation of appropriate systems 
and technology to improve the delivery of its products and services; 
and 
c) Human Resources Development. - Aims to upgrade the skills of its 
personnel, develop, implement and institutionalize a program designed 
to optimize personnel capabilities through a sustainable training and 
develop strategies in improving the quality of work as well as the 
standard of living of its personnel. 


SEC. 6. Development of NAMRIA Capabilities. - The modernization of 
NAMRIA shall be geared toward the development of the following capabilities: 
a) Enhancement of Mapping Capabilities. - The NAMRIA, being the 
central mapping agency of the government, shall develop and upgrade its map 
production capability to digital technology. To this end, it shall: 
1. provide updated water and land-based information in the form of digital 
base maps and charts within geographic information environment; 
2. provide nationwide coverage of updated large scale maps in graphic 
and digital format of urban areas, centers of population and 
development areas; 
3. conduct periodic integrated resource and environment survey for the 
generation of updated, standardize and reliable geographic and 
resources information; and 
4. Service the various mapping needs of government agencies and the 
private sector. 
b) Development of Information Technology Capability. - The NAMRIA, 
shall develop its technology structure by establishing a one-stop source of 
geographically referenced ocean, land and resource database information. To 
this end, it shall: 
1. Eliminate data duplication and provide a mechanism for data sharing 
with other government agencies and instrumentalities; 
2. Provide a rapid response system to generate maps and charts for 
disaster management in coordination with concerned agencies and for 
high priority planning in development areas; 
3. Keep up with the demand for complete and updated land, water and 
natural resources data bases, land use classification maps, inclusive of 
microfilm and microfiche processes; 
4. Provide better access to its products and services; and 
5. Speed up its base mapping, revision and technological programs. 
c) Improvement of Data Acquisition Capability.- The following programs 
shall be implemented to enhance the data acquisition capability of NAMRIA: 
1. Establishment of Ground Receiving Station.- 
The NAMRIA shall 
develop its data acquisition capability by operating a multi-satellite, 
multi-purpose ground station in order to: 


?.a. Establish and develop its capabilities for real or near data 
acquisition; 
1 .b. Conduct disaster monitoring and damage assessment, detect 
potential environment hazard and near real time inventory of 
resources in coordination with other government agencies; and 
1 .c Serve as user service unit. 
2. Upgrading of Surveys and Charting Capabilities. - The NAMRIA shall 
increase its capabilities for hydrographic, oceanographic and 
geographic surveys and nautical charting capabilities. To this end, it 
shall: 
2.a produce up-to-date nautical charts of the Exclusive Economic 
Zones to ensure safety of navigation and provide basic 
reference in planning and executing all marine activities in the 
country; 
2.b. Delineate the different maritime zones of the country in 
coordination with other government agencies; 
2.c. Provide technical data needed in the judicious delimitation of 
overlapping international boundaries; 
2.d. Generate marine scientific information for assessment and 
efficient management of living and non-living ocean resources 
for both government and non-government units; 
2.e. densify existing geographic network, integrate existing 
cadastral and control data into Philippine Resources System, 
establishment of 
a network maintenance system and 
modernization of surveys practices; and 
2.f. Initiate the delineation of administrative boundaries throughout 
the country in coordination with the Land Management Bureau 
and other government agencies. 
d.) Improvement of Research and Development Capability. - The NAMRIA 
shall undertake researches in order to develop new techniques in generating 
geographic information. To this end, it shall: 
1. engage in exploratory projects which can improve capabilities in 
information science; 


2. acquire expertise in servicing the geographic information requirements 
of all sectors in the country; and 
3. Establish standards and procedures in geographic information system 
(GIS) remote sensing, mapping and surveying. 
SEC. 7. Period of Implementation. - The modernization program under 
this Act shall be implemented over a period of ten (IO) years: Provided, however, 
that payments for amortization of outstanding multi-year contract obligations 
incurred under this Act may extend beyond this period. 
SEC. 8. Appropriation for the NAMRIA Modernization Program. - The 
annual appropriations for the NAMRIA Modernization program shall include the 
amounts necessary to support the funding requirements for all modernization 
projects approved by Congress. 
SEC. 9. Multi-Year Contracts and Other Contractual Arrangements.- 
a) The Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, pursuant to the 
NAMRIA Modernization Program projects and appropriations approved 
by Congress, may subject to the approval of the4 President, and 
consistent with the provisions of existing laws and regulations including 
those of the Commission on Audit and under such terms and conditions 
most favorable to the government, enter into a multi-year contracts and 
other contractual arrangements. 
b) For multi-year contracts, Congress shall upon certification by the 
President, make the corresponding appropriation for the ensuing fiscal 
year: Provided, That Congress shall appropriate only such funds as 
may be necessary to pay an unpaid amount where the funds 
appropriated for the current fiscal year is not sufficient or available to 
meet such payment in full or in part. 
c) The Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources shall submit to 
the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural 
Resources, copies of this multi-year contracts and other agreements to 
enable Congress to appropriate funds. 
SEC. 10. Procurement System. - In addition to the provisions of existing 
laws, rules and regulations regarding procurement and acquisition of equipment, 
the DENR and NAMRIA shall strengthen said system and procedures taking into 
account new requirements under the NAMRIA modernization program. The 


NAMRIA is hereby given the authority to strengthen its system and procedures 
for equipment acquisition, taking into account new requirements under the 
NAMRIA modernization program. 
SEC. 11. Tax Exemption.- The importation by NAMRIA of mapping and 
surveying material such as photogrammetic, cartographic, survey, data 
processing, remote sensing equipment and materials supplies, and spare parts 
which will be used actually, directly and exclusively in its operations shall be 
exempt from all forms of taxes, duties and other fees. 
SEC. 12. Annual Report. - The Administrator of the NAMRIA through the 
Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), 
shall submit to the President and Congress, not later than the end of the first 
quarter of the succeeding year, an annual report containing the progress of the 
implementation of the modernization programs under this Act. 
SEC. 13. Austerity and Use of Savings. - Upon the approval of this Act, 
the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), 
and the NAMRIA Administrator, shall submit to Congress, within the first quarter 
of the succeeding year and every year thereafter a report on: 
a) 
The amount of all unused and undisbursed funds remaining from 
previous DENR and NAMRIA appropriations; and 
The amount of savings from austerity measures generated in the 
previous fiscal year. 
b) 
The savings generated under this section are hereby authorized to be 
used to augment funds for the NAMRIA modernization program. 
SEC. 14. 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. 15. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, rules and 
regulations inconsistent with or contrary to this Act, are hereby deemed repealed 
or amended accordingly. 
SEC. 16. Effecitivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
from its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of national circulation. 
Approved,