Abstract


Policy Issues in GIS Development: The Case of the Philippine Natural Resources

Nathaniel C Bantayan
Associate Professor
Institute of Renewable Natural Resources Philippines
ncb@mudspring.uplb.edu.ph


Abstract
In the Philippines, there has always been a keen interest in policy formulation and how forest and natural resources policies respond to the needs of the sector in terms of assessment and monitoring. Since 1987, more than 70 policy issuances have been drafted in the forestry sector alone. A policy is only as good as the information on which it is based. Good policies are able to respond to the needs of the sector and are able to adjust accordingly. That is why the aggregation of data from the field offices to the policy-making office is so vital in the formulation of responsive policies. There must be a conscious, deliberate and institutionalized link between data collection, the generation of information and policy formulation. This study evaluated such a link including the flow of forest and natural resources data and information. The report is organized according to the objectives listed below. The subsequent sections contain a discussion of the objectives and the extent to which these were addressed within the constraints and limitations of the study. The primary objective of the study was to prescribe the most cost-efficient and cost-effective methodology for data transfer and information flow. The specific objectives were to:
  • Assess the type, quality and amount of data and information being collected at the field level
  • Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of data transfer and information flow at the different levels of management
  • Analyze the gaps in data transfer and information flow;
  • Evaluate the data gathered in terms of attribute data and spatial information as an indication of GIS-readiness;
  • Develop a strategy and methodologies for filling data gaps and for improving the flow of information; and
  • Provide an indicative analysis on the quality of policy formulation as determined by the type, quality and amount of data and information. The study evaluated the data and information flow within the operational mechanism of the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The study revealed that responsive management must be based on realistic and empirical foundations. This implies well-defined protocols for data generation at the field level. The provision of timely, accurate, accessible and relevant data and information facilitates the decision-making process. Thus, a framework for management including a user-friendly implementation procedure through a database system is essential. The DENR and its attached agencies manage an extensive collection of spatial and statistical data. Their characteristics at the lower and more detailed levels should be encoded following a logical recording structure. Protocols for data formatting, encoding, elements and fields including processing, analysis and output should be enumerated.