International Humanitarian Mapping Expert engages SLSU for Geospatial Innovation and Resilience Building
On June 18, 2026, the Research, Innovation, Publication, and Extension (RIPE) Office of Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), through its Extension Office, warmly received Ivan Buendía Gayton of the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) for a courtesy visit and technical engagement.
The activity opened with a formal discussion and a presentation highlighting the accomplishments of the SLSU GIS Tech Center, delivered by its Centre Head, Dr. Jannie Fleur R. Orano. The presentation showcased the Center’s ongoing initiatives in geospatial technologies, community mapping, and its contributions to disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, and local development efforts in Southern Leyte.
The visit was attended by key university officials, including Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, Vice President for Research, Innovation, Publication and Extension; Engr. Jonelle Tablada, Director of Extension Services; Engr. Khorina Aguilar-Tablada, Director for Research, Innovation and Publication; Dr. Ingrid M. Uy, Director of Global Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Office; Ms. Jannie Fleur Oraño, Head of SLSU GIS-Tech Center; and Mr. Edcel Clem Morales, Head of SLSU EM-DRRM. Their presence underscored the University’s strong support for collaborative initiatives that advance research-driven extension and innovation.
During the engagement, Mr. Gayton shared his extensive experience in humanitarian mapping, particularly in the use of open-source geospatial tools and community-driven mapping platforms. He also conducted a demonstration of selected tools and technologies he uses in the field for vulnerability assessment and disaster preparedness mapping. These tools are designed to identify high-risk areas and support evidence-based planning for humanitarian response and resilience building.
In his discussion, Mr. Gayton emphasized the importance of working closely with local institutions and communities, noting that he is actively looking for a relevant real-world problem context and a capable local team that can collaborate on impactful mapping and disaster risk reduction initiatives. This aligns with HOT’s global approach of combining technology, open data, and community participation in addressing humanitarian challenges.
As part of the continuing activities, a field/site visit is scheduled in Barangay Libas, Sogod, Southern Leyte, where the team is expected to conduct on-site validation and gain deeper contextual understanding of local conditions. Mr. Gayton also expressed strong interest in visiting San Ricardo, recognizing its coastal geography and high exposure to climate-related hazards, making it a significant area for disaster risk mapping and resilience studies.
The visit reflects the growing partnership between SLSU and international humanitarian mapping experts, reinforcing the University’s commitment to leveraging geospatial innovation for inclusive development, disaster preparedness, and community resilience across Southern Leyte.
