2nd electronic navigational chart for RP is launched

The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) Administrator Diony A. Ventura and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) recently launched the second set of Philippine Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) covering the Central Visayas, Central Mindanao, and Sulu Sea area during a brief ceremony at the Coast and Geodetic Survey Department (CGSD) office in Binondo, Manila.

The occasion coincided with the first publication of the updates of three previously issued ENCs covering the water area of Manila Harbor, Manila to Cavite, and Northern Luzon. The second set of newly published ENCs with a compilation scale of 1:800,000 and the ENC updates in CD-ROM form were the outputs of the joint NAMRIA-JICA technical cooperation project entitled, "Technology Development of Electronic Navigational Chart for the Republic of the Philippines."

The project which aimed to enhance the efficiency and safety of navigation around the country’s waters started in June 2000 upon the granting of the request of the Philippine government to the government of Japan. The CGSD-NAMRIA under the stewardship of Commodore Rodolfo M. Agaton in collaboration with JICA implemented the project.

Prior to the ENCs publication, Lieutenant Commanders Jesulito A. Real and Rosalino C. delos Reyes of CGSD-NAMRIA together with two JICA experts assigned to the project tested the newly compiled ENC of Central Visayas last June 1 aboard the WG&A Superferry 12 plying the Manila to Cebu route. The tests utilized a PC-based Electronic Chart Display Information System and a handheld Global Positioning System to determine the level of accuracy and reliability of the ENC when use in actual navigation. The ENC testing conducted by NAMRIA was the first ever validation done aboard a commercial vessel.

In his message during the ceremony, First Secretary of the Japanese Embassy Shin-ya Mori, underscored NAMRIA and JICA’s joint efforts in developing and publishing the Philippine ENCs which are very significant navigational tools nowadays not only in the Philippines but to the whole world as well. He further added that his government is truly proud in giving support to such an important project to promote efficiency and safety in navigation of the country’s waters.

The introduction of ENC as an added tool in navigation is being given a worldwide publicity by the International Maritime Organization and other international organizations in consonance with the Safety of Life at Sea Convention.