
July 3, 2025 — The Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT), through its International Relations Office and in partnership with the Peace Corps Philippines, officially commenced the 2nd Batch of the QGIS in Natural Resources Management training at the DEBESMSCAT Function Hall, Cabitan, Mandaon Campus, Masbate.
The training opened with an inspiring message from Dr. Elreen A. Delavin, Vice President for Academic Affairs, who warmly welcomed the participants onsite and online. Dr. Delavin also expressed gratitude to the organizing committee, resource speakers, and partners who made the training possible.
The event gathered over 115 participants, 65 onsite and 50 online via Zoom Teleconference — from diverse sectors including national, regional, and local government offices; DEBESMSCAT students from Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Agroforestry, and Environmental Science programs; and Grade 12 STEM students from Federico A. Estipona Memorial High School in Mandaon.
In the morning session, Dr. Ann Myatt James from Peace Corps Philippines facilitated topics covering the Introduction and Installation of QGIS Application, Working with Vector Data, Creating Basic Maps, and Importing CSV Files in QGIS.
The afternoon workshop, led by Engr. Jeffry J. Arevalo, Faculty from the College of Engineering, gave participants hands-on experience in spatial data management and map creation.
This initiative aims to enhance technical capacity, develop collaboration, and empower participants to make data-driven decisions for sustainable and resilient development.
QGIS is an open-source Geographic Information System (GIS) software used for spatial data analysis, editing, and map creation especially in natural resources management covering the province of Masbate and in thier communities.
The Peace Corps, an independent agency of the United States government, deploys volunteers worldwide, including the Philippines, to support local development efforts through skills sharing and capacity building.
The comprehensive training will continue on Friday, July 4, and next week on July 10 to 11, 2025.








