DA to use applied geotagging in all projects

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Agriculture will now use applied geotagging in all projects to strengthen transparency and good governance.

In a circular issued last July 28, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala enjoined all DA officials and project implementers to use the AGT in carrying out every project.

Alcala said the AGT is a vital tool in the validation and monitoring of proposed and implemented projects of the government. 

“The utilization of the tool is a critical input in the development of the field operations service’s management information system that manages data and provides efficient, reliable and real-time information for all programs and projects under the DA,” Alcala added. 

To further secure the use of AGT and prevent possible modification or alteration of geotagged photos, the PRDP has developed a unified AGT Android mobile application, which would be used in all of the agency’s projects. 

The revolutionary system has recently been recognized by the World Bank as a critical tool in promoting transparency of government-implemented projects. 

AGT was first developed and applied by DA’s Mindanao Rural Development Program in 2011, and has helped increase transparency in project implementation, especially in remote and conflict-stricken areas in the region.