SLSU Showcases GIS Expertise at Women’s Month Forum
In celebration of National Women’s Month, the virtual panel forum titled “Filipinas in GIS: From Passion to Purpose” was successfully held on March 31, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM via Google Meet. The event, organized by Geodata Systems Technologies, Inc., highlighted the contributions and journeys of women in the field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Ms. Jannie Fleur V. Oraño, Head of the Geographic Information Systems Technology Center (GIS-TC) of Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), served as one of the panelists in the said event. The forum brought together inspiring Filipinas in GIS who shared their experiences, insights, and professional milestones, while encouraging students and young professionals to pursue meaningful careers in the geospatial field.
During the panel discussion, Ms. Oraño shared her personal GIS journey and highlighted the initiatives of the SLSU GIS Technology Center. These initiatives focus on community mapping and the application of GIS to support disaster resilience, public health, education, and local development efforts. Through these efforts, the center continues to play a vital role in empowering communities and enhancing data-driven decision-making.
The forum also served as a platform for knowledge sharing and mentorship, providing participants with real-world perspectives on how GIS can be used to address societal challenges. By featuring experienced professionals, the event inspired more women to engage in geospatial sciences and contribute to nation-building.
The participation of SLSU in this forum underscored the university’s commitment to advancing GIS education and promoting gender inclusivity in science and technology. It also highlighted the institution’s active involvement in national and professional engagements that foster collaboration, innovation, and capacity building.
This engagement supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5: Gender Equality, by promoting women’s participation in science and technology; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, through the advancement of geospatial technologies; and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by emphasizing the role of GIS in planning, disaster risk reduction, and community development.
Overall, the activity demonstrated SLSU’s continued commitment to engaging in initiatives that promote inclusivity, innovation, and the practical application of GIS in addressing real-world challenges, while strengthening its role in the geospatial community.
