SLSU Honored at State of the Map 2025: GISTC Head Receives “Expanding the Community Award”
Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) proudly celebrates Ms. Jannie Fleur V. Oraño, Head of the Geospatial Information and Technology Center (GISTC) and Adviser of SLSU YouthMappers, and Ms. Anne Marie Vic Lobo, SLSU YouthMappers officer, for representing the institution at the State of the Map (SotM) 2025. Held at the GT Toyota Auditorium, University of the Philippines – Diliman, on October 3–5, 2025, the delegates were joined by Ms. Louise Yvonne Paje, an SLSU alumna and Former President of SLSU YouthMappers (2022–2023).
The State of the Map is an annual international conference organized by the OpenStreetMap Foundation (OSMF). It brings together mappers, developers, geospatial experts, and technology enthusiasts from around the world to share ideas, foster collaborations, and promote open mapping for sustainable development.
The three-day conference opened with engaging keynote sessions that set the tone for this year’s theme of collaboration and innovation. Interactive breakout sessions followed, highlighting emerging tools, participatory mapping initiatives, and success stories that demonstrate how OpenStreetMap (OSM) addresses real-world challenges—from disaster risk management and environmental monitoring to urban planning and community empowerment.
One of the key highlights of Day 1 was the Cebu Mapathon, a collaborative mapping initiative organized in response to the recent earthquake in Cebu. The activity mobilized participants to contribute updated geospatial data, supporting post-disaster assessment and humanitarian response efforts. This initiative exemplified how the OSM community leverages collective action and open data to enhance real-time disaster recovery, strengthen resilience, and improve coordination among volunteers and local responders.
Participants also visited the Sponsor Booths and Exhibits at the IE/ME Building, where they connected with partners, explored ongoing mapping projects, and received exciting freebies. The atmosphere remained vibrant throughout the event, particularly on Day 2, when simultaneous talks and workshops were conducted. The day concluded with a social night that gave attendees a uniquely Filipino experience—riding the iconic jeepney, known as the “king of the road.”
On Day 3, during the Lightning Talks segment, Ms. Jannie Fleur V. Oraño shared insights on the project “Building Resilience Through Open Mapping.” Her presentation showcased the initiatives of the Geospatial Information Systems Technology Center (GISTC) and the SLSU YouthMappers Organization (SLSUYM) in advancing open mapping for community development. The project focuses on mapping efforts that contribute to health improvement, agricultural support, crime prevention, and disaster resilience—reflecting SLSU’s dedication to harnessing technology for social good and sustainable progress.
Another notable session, “From Mappers to Movement Builders: Strengthening Local Leadership through Open Mapping Gurus,” led by Mikko Tamura, emphasized the importance of leadership, collaboration, and inclusive participation. It resonated strongly with the conference’s goal of transforming mappers into movement builders who drive community-based mapping initiatives.
As the conference drew to a close, the organizers honored the dedication and achievements of participants who had made significant contributions to the OpenStreetMap community. SLSU proudly congratulates Ms. Jannie Fleur V. Oraño for receiving the “Expanding the Community Award” at the State of the Map 2025, recognizing her outstanding efforts in promoting open mapping and engaging new communities.
SLSU’s participation in the State of the Map 2025 strongly aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by promoting lifelong learning and digital literacy through open mapping; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, by supporting technological innovation and sustainable data infrastructure; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by utilizing geospatial data for urban planning, disaster preparedness, and environmental management; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by fostering collaboration among universities, organizations, and the global mapping community.
As the GISTC often emphasizes: “Good governance begins with good data—and good data begins with great partnerships.”
