Manila lone PH awardee at global GIS conference in US
Manila has earned global recognition as the lone Philippine awardee at the Esri User Conference 2026 in San Diego, receiving the Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award among 197 organizations worldwide.
Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso led the city’s delegation in accepting the award, with Manila standing out as the sole honoree from the Philippines, chosen from more than 700,000 users of Esri technology.
Manila joined a distinguished list of awardees that included institutions such as Singapore’s Land Transport Authority, Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency, Switzerland’s Humanitarian Aid Unit, Habitat for Humanity International, Wajima City in Japan, and Kenya’s Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development.
The SAG Award is given to governments and organizations that demonstrate innovation and excellence in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to improve public service delivery, decision-making, and operational efficiency. Recipients are recognized for creating measurable, positive impacts in their communities.
Domagoso credited the achievement to the city’s disaster response and mapping teams.
“This recognition was not achieved by chance. It is the result of the hard work, dedication, and innovation of our disaster risk reduction and GIS teams,” he said.
He stressed that the award rightfully belongs to the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (DRRMD), under Director Arnel Eustacio Angeles, together with the city’s GIS team and personnel who designed and implemented the systems that earned the recognition.
Through GIS technology, Manila has strengthened its disaster preparedness and response using digital mapping, spatial analysis, and real-time data monitoring, enabling faster and more efficient responses to floods, fires, and other emergencies across the city’s six districts.
The mayor said the recognition affirms Manila’s ability to compete with leading cities worldwide in adopting modern technology.
“This proves that Manila can stand alongside the most advanced cities in the world. With the right people, technology, and commitment, we can achieve world-class results,” Domagoso said.
He also stressed that the city’s goal is not to collect awards but to improve public service and protect lives.
“Our mission has always been to save lives, protect communities, and deliver the best possible service. If our efforts are recognized globally, we accept it with humility,” he added.
Domagoso said the award will serve as motivation to further invest in innovation and disaster preparedness, noting that advancements in technology directly translate to safer communities.
Joining the mayor at the awarding ceremony were Atty. Ma. Cristina Fernandez, Ramon Jefferson Verano, and Christian John Evangelista.
The city government expressed hope that Manila’s achievement will inspire other local governments to adopt modern technologies, emphasizing that disaster preparedness is a responsibility that must be prioritized nationwide.