Bridging Knowledge and Practice: International Learning Exchange on Open Mapping and Local Governance at SLSU

On March 5, 2025, Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) welcomed Ms. Charlotte Liebel from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany for an international learning exchange focused on open mapping and its role in strengthening local governance. The visit aimed to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building among academic, youth, and local government stakeholders.

The program began with a courtesy call with the university president, Dr. Jude A. Duarte, providing an opportunity to discuss SLSU’s initiatives in research, geospatial technologies, and community engagement.

The learning exchange featured a session with the Geographic Information Systems Technology Center (GISTC), SLSU YouthMappers, and the Faculty of Computing and Information Sciences (FCIS). It opened with welcome and inspirational messages from Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Extension Services, and Dr. Ingrid Uy, Director for External Linkages and International Affairs, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and international partnerships in advancing research and community development.

During the session, participants explored GISTC’s flagship initiative, Building Resilience Through Open Mapping, which promotes the use of open geospatial data and collaborative mapping to support disaster resilience, local planning, and community development. The activity provided a platform for students and researchers to exchange ideas, experiences, and best practices in geospatial technologies.

A key component of the visit focused on Open Geospatial Technologies for Local Governance, with representatives from the Local Government Units of Malitbog, Sogod, and Bontoc, as well as SLSU. Participants included Engr. Cherry Mae Cervantes (LGU Malitbog), Engr. Edmund Moralde and Ms. Ester Bermiso (LGU Bontoc), Mr. Randy Rana (LGU Sogod), and Engr. Edcel Clem Morales (SLSU Planning Office). LGU representatives shared their best practices and challenges in using geospatial tools for planning and governance, providing valuable insights for all attendees.

Ms. Charlotte also had the opportunity to join in the SLSU Anniversary Celebration, experiencing firsthand the vibrant spirit, culture, and camaraderie of the SLSU community.

The visit successfully bridged academic knowledge and practical governance experiences, reinforcing the role of open mapping and geospatial technologies in building resilient and data-driven communities. It also strengthened partnerships among SLSU GISTC, FCIS, SLSU YouthMappers, LGU partners, and international collaborators, paving the way for future collaborative initiatives.

This activity contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through the promotion of open geospatial technologies, collaborative mapping, and strengthened partnerships