1. Poverty Reduction is the major challenge facing the Philippines. Around 33% of total population of 85 million are considered poor. Most poor are in the rural areas though urban centers have also very poor areas. Mapping the poor at the barangay level has not been done yet except in some specific provinces. There are 41,995 barangays (the smallest political unit) in the Philippines Challenges of Community Mapping in Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Community Development Cesar Villanueva Cours Metis FUNDP, 29/10/07

2. Sustainable community development is only possible if people participate in the process of identifying major obstacles that impede their development and are able to map out concrete strategies that will answer their needs…… This means having the right and appropriate information that will aid them in decision making. Decisions by people and for their communities are central to sustainable community building. Community mapping therefore can play a critical role here if done with the participation of people. Challenges of Community Mapping in Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Community Development

3. The approach is to borrow this community map and digitize it so that in more technical surroundings, cartographers may relate it to topographical maps of NAMRIA (National Mapping and Resource Information Agency). The objective is to retain the value of both maps so that government can appreciate the community's understanding, as well as their potential responsibilities for managing the area. Challenges of Community Mapping in Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Community Development

4. Community mapping in the Philippines focuses on the social and agro-forestry practices of the people, out of which zones of activity emerge, including boundaries with other communities. The main concern is participation. It is hoped that through the process, a sense of ownership, accountability and empowerment is established. The use of a community mapping approach supplies a process for dialogue and discussion, which is vital in establishing the socio-cultural context conducive for doing sustainable resource management/poverty reduction/sustainable community development. Challenges of Community Mapping in Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Community Development

5. Challenges of Community Mapping in Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Community Development Missing Data ･ Inaccurate Data ･ Outdated Data Ownership of Data (should be owned by the community and in order for them to share this with local government planners, a level of trust must be established)

6. Acceptance of GIS Methodologies by Local governments (GIS results are not yet being utilized or replicated by LGUs in planning). Communities should develop a greater appreciation of the tool so more exposure to GIS is needed. (wary of what is new) Challenges of Community Mapping in Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Community Development

7. Cost (Software, Hardware, Skills Training), GIS is not a priority in the budget Challenges of Community Mapping in Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Community Development

8. Applicability of established GIS methodologies to the Philippine setting have yet to be established. Challenges of Community Mapping in Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Community Development

9. More research needed. Inconsistent and Redundant Studies on Poverty (Which method will be used?) Challenges of Community Mapping in Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Community Development

10. References: Community Mapping in the Philippines Monday, 07 May 2007 Last Updated Wednesday, 30 May 2007. http://essc.org.ph Interview with Ann Pandan of the University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City, Philippines: