SLSU Leads Participatory Mapping for GIS-Based Water Quality Assessment in Maasin City

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), through the Geographic Information Systems Technology Center (GISTC), successfully conducted a three-day Participatory Mapping Activity for the DOST-PCHRD-funded project titled “Development of a GIS-based Intervention to Assess Water Quality: Basis for Mitigating Water-borne Diseases in Maasin, Southern Leyte”, a collaborative initiative among the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Maasin City, Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), and the City Health Unit (CHU), with the Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium (EVHRDC) serving as the monitoring agency.

Held on October 20–22, 2025, at the CADAC Function Hall, Barangay Combado, Maasin City, the activity was led by Project Leader Ms. Jannie Fleur V. Oraño, together with Project Members Ms. Tamar B. Mejia and Mr. Nelson Enojo.

The Participatory Mapping sessions engaged selected residents and representatives from various barangays—Batuan, Rizal, Combado, Tagnipa, Hantag, Cambooc, San Isidro, Malapoc Norte, Malapoc Sur, and Matin-ao. The primary objective was to gather community-based data on various water sources and their uses, dumpsites, waste disposal practices, access to toilets, and other environmental factors.

This initiative is part of the project’s broader goal to develop a GIS-based intervention tool to assess water quality and provide data-driven solutions to mitigate waterborne diseases in the city. By involving local participants in the mapping process, the project ensures that the data gathered is accurate, relevant, and reflective of actual community conditions.

Over three days, participants engaged in interactive discussions, mapping exercises, and data-sharing sessions, identifying key areas for environmental monitoring and public health interventions.

The activity highlights SLSU’s steadfast commitment to community engagement, scientific innovation, and sustainable solutions for addressing local environmental and health concerns. It also reflects the University’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Through this collaborative endeavor, SLSU and its partners reaffirm their dedication to using geospatial technologies as a catalyst for public health improvement, environmental management, and community resilience in Southern Leyte.