Use of the Applied Geotagging Tool in All Programs and Projects of the Department and Agriculture

July 28, 2015

DA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 03-15

SUBJECT : Use of the Applied Geotagging Tool in All Programs and Projects of the Department and Agriculture

WHEREAS, geo tagging is a process of adding geographical data to different media (e.g., photos, websites, sms) in the form of metadata, which usually consist of coordinates like latitude and longitude and in some instances, bearing, altitude, distance and name of places;

WHEREAS, the experience of the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) on the development and application of the "Applied Geotagging Tool" (AGT) to its program management activities have increased transparency in project implementation;

WHEREAS, since its introduction, the tool has been expanded and utilized by other DA programs such as the Irrigated Rice Production Enhancement Project (IRPEP), Rice Program, Farm-to-Market Road Development Program (FMRDP), and the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP);

WHEREAS, the geo tagging tool has been shared and adopted by other national agencies in the implementation of their respective programs such as the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and National Irrigation Administration (NIA);

WHEREAS, the utilization of the tool is a critical input in the development of the Field Operations Service's Management Information System (FOS MIS) that manages data and provides efficient, reliable and real-time information on all programs and projects implemented by DA;

WHEREAS, AGT has proved to be a vital tool in the validation and monitoring of proposed and implemented projects of the government and an effective mechanism to promote transparency of government-implemented projects;

NOW THEREFORE, I, PROCESO J. ALCALA, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, by the powers vested in me by law, do hereby direct the following:

1. The use of a unified Applied Geo Tagging Tool (AGT) in all DA programs and projects.

2. The use of a unified AGT Android Mobile Application that can be downloaded and installed to compatible android devices that will be utilized during geo tagging activities to prevent digital modification or alteration of geo tagged photos. DETACa

This Order shall take effect immediately.

 

(SGD.) PROCESO J. ALCALASecretary