You can’t use an old map to explore a new world – Albert Einstein

In life there will always be an “add” to every “venture” of our own “Map”; experiences, knowledge, and people. I started using map during the time I got lost in the place I’m not familiar of back in college while doing school research. It was Google map who helped me locate the place I’m searching. Since then, it’s the only flatform in maps I used. Until OSM or Open source mapping was introduced to me. I learned that mapping through technology has wide-range capabilities. It isn’t only for locating places, it can also help people, individuals, most specially, communities who are in need during an emergency.

Mapping is a very useful device to explore more techniques that might help slum communities such as preventing threats and readiness in natural disasters. February of this year, a fire incident devastated the Badjao community in barangay 23-C. As I’ve conducted rapid risk assessment, I observed that the stability of the area has changed. The physical map or direction of walkways, locations of the houses, establishments and other features of the Badjao community were unidentified. With this, I’ve come to realized that a map should have an updates for every occurrence of change.

Opportunities add-up to experiences. When I was informed that I will attend to the Pista ng Mapa invitation, I was thrilled for I will have new experiences in mapping. Also, I felt anxious knowing that I will be expected to present in front of other participants. Nevertheless, I was more grateful for the Badjao kid who accompanied me in the event. He, himself, experienced the mapping and gained knowledge from an actual trial.

Curiosity and exploration add-up to knowledge. First day of the event was an enigma. I had a hard time deciding which activity I should join first because each of those was quite interesting and knowledgeable. As curiosity continuously arising, I’ve decided to explore to choose the topics that I don’t have knowledge yet. I joined the group where it discussed the “data story telling with open contracting data”. Through this, you’ll be able to analyse the discrepancies or any form of corruption in procurement. As the learning goes further, it gave me an idea that this application will be very useful particularly in BLGUs. The barangay will be able to easily track the expenditure of every allocated budget, especially, the infrastructure budget intended for the development of communities.

In addition, I had a personal interest in “human experience design for maps” activity. It entails on your specific interest in mapping, conceptualizing maps that might help on specific target. During the activity, I thought of conceptualising a map specifically for abused children. It will be a helpful flatform where they will be able to participate in reporting any forms of child abuse using mobile gadgets, laptops and other useful gadget that will reflect to the map. With this, workers specializing in child protection can easily monitor and respond quickly to the needs of the abused victim.

Furthermore, I’m truly amazed with the use of drones to map the area. It has great advantage in mapping a huge and complex area or community in minimal time and effort. Considering the community of Badjao, there are many areas that are difficult to access due to its broken walkways. I believe, with the use of drone, we’ll be able to create a map that covers the entire area of Badjao community. Also, we’ll be able to mapped-out all the possible emergency exits during disasters.

Lastly, coincidental interest add-up to acquaintances and potential partners. Thru mapping, I was able to interact with different people from different places around the country. I was even fascinated that just by having a similar interest; I was able to meet them. Every one of these people has different shared story. Some people from academe integrated mapping to their subject to help the communities; the humanitarians respond to emergencies and disasters uses maps, private companies provide services uses maps (grabb and ways) and every individual whose heart is in community development uses map.

Mapping is not only for direction or locating places, it’s also allowing us to explore all the possible ways to help and resolve.

Thank you #PistaNgMapa and Dumaguete for the wonderful experience. Hoping for Pista ng Mapa in Davao.

Harvey P. Monderondo Psychosocial Development Worker Tambayan Center Inc.