The Xavier University – Engineering Resource Center (XU-ERC), in partnership with the Association of the College of Engineering Students (ACES) and the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) – Student Chapter, successfully conducted a three-session technical seminar titled “Pathway to Progress” on 13 and 27 September 2025, at the Drawing Room (E403) of the College of Engineering.
The seminar aimed to enhance students’ competence in geospatial and digital mapping through hands-on training on QGIS software, an open-source geographic information system used for spatial data visualization, mapping, and analysis. These skills are vital for research, thesis preparation, and professional applications in civil and industrial engineering. The event was led by Dr Anabel A Abuzo, Director of the Engineering Resource Center, together with Mr Carl Josef Carbonilla (ACES Project Head). The technical sessions featured speakers Dr Abuzo, Engr John Michael Osia, and Ms Grachielle Edrea Dequeros, who shared both theoretical insights and practical exercises on the use of GIS in engineering applications. They were assisted by Mr Andre Caguimbal and Mr Terence Saliring (PICE Overseers).
Over 40 third-year students from Civil Engineering and Industrial Engineering participated in the workshop. The sessions introduced fundamental concepts of spatial data handling, thematic mapping, and GIS-based analysis, providing participants with the technical foundation needed for engineering research and design. The first two sessions, held on 13 September, focused on the introduction to mapping and QGIS, basic operations, and thematic mapping techniques. Participants were guided through project setup, tool navigation, and data visualization exercises. The final session, held on 27 September, centered on hands-on mapping and data integration, where participants created map layouts using QGIS, and accessed GIS datasets from DIVA GIS and MapCruzin.
Through the combination of lectures and interactive workshops, the “Pathway to Progress” seminar provided participants with valuable GIS knowledge and practical mapping skills applicable to their academic and professional growth. The event underscores Xavier University’s commitment to advancing engineering education through innovative, technology-driven learning initiatives that prepare students for research and real-world challenges in data analysis, infrastructure planning, and spatial decision-making.
