ENGINEERING students from Bicol University received a Merit Award in the International ASEAN Geospatial Challenge 2023 for their research on “Image Visualization of Premature Land Conversion of Rice Lands in Matnog, Sorsogon, Philippines.”

Team Lakapati composed of Jonard Buban, Kanina May De Guzman and Karen Estola represented the Philippines and bested 33 other entries from ASEAN member countries.

“The study focused on the use of geospatial technology to assess the extent of land conversion in Matnog, Sorsogon, particularly in rice lands, using data from the concerned government agencies,” the university said.

“The team utilized remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and other geospatial tools to analyze and visualize the changes in land use in the area,” it added.

Earlier, BU students also won the national competition and represented the country alongside a group from the University of the Philippines Diliman.

The competition was organized by the Singapore Land Authority and supported by the ASEAN Geospatial Agencies.

Meanwhile, Angela Salvidar and Cline Joyce Regnim bagged the Best Undergraduate Oral Presentation for their research on “Integration of Geographic Information System in Mapping the Flood-Prone Streets of Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines.”

The award was given during the Philippine Meteorological Convention held at The New Camelot Hotel last March 21.