DOST, LGU Oroquieta signs MOA with CSU for digitalization of City RPT mapping operations

MapX team from Caraga State University poses a photo with DOST Provincial Director Eufresnie Ann Simbajon during their visit at the DOST Misamis Occidental office

The Department of Science and Technology and the Local Government Unit of Oroquieta City signs a Memorandum of Agreement with Caraga State University for the digitalization of the real property tax (RPT) mapping operations of the LGU’s assessor’s office, July 17, 2023.

The MOA strengthened the partnership founded through DOST’s project, “Boosting LGU Oroquieta City’s Revenue through S&T-based Real Property Tax Mapping System – MapX, a DOST funded technology”.

MapX is a complete real property mapping and assessment solution that uses advanced geoinformatics technologies. Use of the system will enable LGU Oroquieta City, through its City Assessor’s Office, to conveniently analyze and create maps of real property units (RPUs). The purpose of MapX is to improve tax mapping processes that could result in the increase in RPT collection thereby boosting the city’s revenue.

The MapX also includes a web-based parcellary mapping, map overlays, spatial analysis tools, dashboard and visualization tools, and application programming interface. The project also covers training and technical support for the use of the system.

“The improvement of tax mapping operations through MapX is only the first project for Oroquieta City under DOST’s Smart and Sustainable Communities Program. Through this project, we are hopeful that this would help fuel the realization of the city’s thrust of becoming an economically sustainable city. In DOST, we assure you that we will continue to support projects like MapX for the advancement of our communities,” said Rogelyn Calago, Science Research Specialist II of DOST-Misamis Occidental.

The Ceremonial MOA Signing was graced by Rogelyn Calago, Science Research Specialist II of DOST-Misamis Occidental, Dr. Rolyn Daguil, President of Caraga State University, and Mayor Lemuel Meyrick Acosta of Oroquieta City. They are also joined by Melbert Bonotan, Project Leader of MapX, and Rey C. Guerra, Officer-in-Charge of the City Assessor’s Office.

Along with the Ceremonial MOA Signing, the MapX team also started gathering data for the onboarding of RPUs into the system. The team will then conduct a user training to upskill the staff of the City Assessor’s Office in using MapX. (Ella B. Nadela, DOST Misamis Occidental)