IBS facilitates Google Mapping Party in Iligan City ~ Pinoy Turista

Online access to information regarding streets, establishments and tourist spots of a particular locality defines Google Map’s primary purpose. On July 30, 2011, Iligan Bloggers Society facilitated the Google Mapping Party for Iligan City. The rationale of the said activity included the following: to support Google’s campaign on Community Mapping for Red Cross Search And Rescue Operations; to accurately map out the community by locating establishments, hospitals and evacuation centers; to correct street names and landmark locations; and to update relevant information.

On a Saturday morning, 18 enthusiastic residents of Iligan headed towards the Sangguniang Panglusod Hall to join the Google Mapping Party. They happily wear the T-shirts given by Google Philippines and started to prepare their gadgets for a whole day task.

The program started at 9:30AM with a prayer and singing of the national anthem. Mr. Pat Noel, an IBS member shared the objectives of Google mapping and welcomed everyone to the affair. Moreover, Mr. Jerick Vicente Almeda, a BS Computer Science student explained the How-to's and Getting Starting Guide of Google Map Maker. He was assisted by Ms. Lai Marie Mirasol, the project manager in giving additional instructions. There and then, the actual mapping started. Everyone got so busy navigating through the map and encoding names of the streets, establishments and other important locations.

To keep them energized, a lunch break was allotted. Thanks to Jacko’s Kan-anan for the delicious food. The mapping party continued where everyone focused on updating the map and proudly expressed their accomplishments. Then came the grand entrance of two men bringing two-extra large pizzas wrapped in a huge cartoon. Everyone got excited and was ready to get a slice. Thanks to Calda Pizza for the fulfilled promise. Indeed, it rejuvenated everyone’s strength late in the afternoon.

At 4:30PM, Ms. Charmaine Xy-za Yape, the IBS President, commended everyone for the great accomplishments on that day. She presented the areas with updated streets, establishments and other locations. Indeed, the Iligan City Map is left with new white marks, red dots and other signs indicating a well-coordinated effort of those who attended. Awarding of certificates followed where everyone shared a big smile for the token received.

Ms. Lai Mirasol, the project manager formally closed the event and thanked the following for a successful Google Mapping Party: Google Philippines for the cool shirts; Vice Mayor Henry C. Dy through the City Secretary for the Session Hall; City Administrator’s Office through ICTC for the WiFi connection; City Planning and Development Office for the LCD projector and the screen; City Tourism Office for the information sourcing; each participant who joined and labored love on updating the Iligan City Google map; Jacko’s Kan-anan; Calda Pizza; and Iligan Bloggers Society members who are the prime movers of the event.

Being part of a worthwhile undertaking is indeed a great experience. It just commenced a simple activity calling for a commitment to continue updating the map of Iligan City. This is a noble way of promoting the city to the world as a nice place to visit. With just a click on Google Map, navigating and finding a location would be easier.

Thank you everyone for joining us. Indeed, a concerted effort yields amazing results. Thank God for the great success.