GIS training at Larenstein

SoAn, History professors begin GIS training at Larenstein

Six professors from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology (SoAn) and one from the Department of History began their six-week training on the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in archaeology at Larenstein University of Professional Education in The Netherlands last March 26, 2007.

The participants with Engr. Pakes (rear) of Larenstein pose in front of the university's lone building, from left: Ocasiones, Aguilar, Amper, Gaid, Nolasco, Aure, Bersales.

Led by SoAn chair Jose Eleazar R. Bersales, the seven are expected to spend six weeks in The Netherlands as part of a Tailor-Made Training Project of the Netherlands Fellowship Program (NFP), with funding from the Netherlands Organization for International Cooperation in Higher Education (Nuffic) and addition support from the University of San Carlos.

The team was met at the airport by Engr. Ubo Pakes of the Larenstein University Training and Consultancy group. Pakes is the main training officer of the project. Other than Bersales, the participants include Dr. Fiscalina A. Nolasco, Dr. Leny G. Ocasiones, Dr. Elmira Judy T. Aguilar, Zona Saniel-Amper, Bonn L. Aure and Boy Riel M. Gaid.

Part of the training includes visits to archaeological projects both in Holland and Germany, as well as applications in Cebu upon the return of the participants on May 6. Geoplan Foundation, Inc., which provided the pre-Netherlands phase of the project by providing basic GIS training last March 12-16, is also expected to provide a two-week follow-up to the project in Cebu.

Already there are plans to negotiate for a possible heritage-related project between USC and Larenstein for possible funding by foundations in The Netherlands.

Author: J.E. R. Bersales
27 / March / 2007