You can’t use an old map to explore a new world – Albert Einstein

In life there will always be an “add” to every “venture” of our own “Map”; experiences, knowledge, and people. I started using map during the time I got lost in the place I’m not familiar of back in college while doing school research. It was Google map who helped me locate the place I’m searching. Since then, it’s the only flatform in maps I used. Until OSM or Open source mapping was introduced to me. I learned that mapping through technology has wide-range capabilities. It isn’t only for locating places, it can also help people, individuals, most specially, communities who are in need during an emergency.

Mapping is a very useful device to explore more techniques that might help slum communities such as preventing threats and readiness in natural disasters. February of this year, a fire incident devastated the Badjao community in barangay 23-C. As I’ve conducted rapid risk assessment, I observed that the stability of the area has changed. The physical map or direction of walkways, locations of the houses, establishments and other features of the Badjao community were unidentified. With this, I’ve come to realized that a map should have an updates for every occurrence of change.

Opportunities add-up to experiences. When I was informed that I will attend to the Pista ng Mapa invitation, I was thrilled for I will have new experiences in mapping. Also, I felt anxious knowing that I will be expected to present in front of other participants. Nevertheless, I was more grateful for the Badjao kid who accompanied me in the event. He, himself, experienced the mapping and gained knowledge from an actual trial.

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