Geodata Philippines and ESRI Geographic Information System Company conferred the “Special Achievement in GIS” or SAG Award to Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan’s Engineering Resource Center (XUERC) “in recognition of its valuable work in education and research in Geographic Information Systems, exemplifying emulatable commitment to contribute to creating a better community and for nation building.”
The SAG Award was given on November 17 during the 4th Philippine ESRI GIS Education Conference at Crowne Plaza Galleria in Ortigas Center, Quezon City.
The award serves as a recognition of XUERC’s exemplary efforts in research and education from its pioneering programs, such as the Disaster Risk, Environment and Management (DREaM), Computer-Aided Services and Technologies (CAST), Research and Publication (RePublic), and Consultancy and Special Projects through the Research and Social Development (ConSpec).
DREaM program coordinator Engr Jefferson R Vallente Jr received the said award on behalf of XUERC. He was also the plenary speaker at the conference where he presented his paper titled “Assessment and Review of the Relationship Between Changes in Land Use, Ecosystem Degradation, Climate Change, and Disaster Risks in Agusan River Basin,” co-authored by XUERC founding director Engr Dexter S Lo and XUERC hydrology specialist Engr Jan Taat.
Founded on February 14, 2008, XUERC was the first research center of the XU College of Engineering as part of the Research and Social Outreach (RSO) cluster (now dissolved) of the university. Today XUERC forms part of the Social Development cluster, which spearheads the College of Engineering's mission in research, consultancy, and human resource development by providing a pool of experts and facilities.
Besides pursuing top-notch and significant researches and innovation opportunities in next-generation technologies, XUERC actively collaborates with various institutions for technological advancements, and provides appropriate solutions to the pressing engineering needs of different communities. ∎
