An incoming 4th-year Geodetic Engineering (GE) student has been selected as one of only three representatives from the Philippines to participate in the Asian Summer Class program, which will be hosted in Thailand from August 21 to September 1.
Chris Jhunwyn Taghap, a 21-year-old GE student from Tagbilaran City, Bohol, has secured a spot as the sole participant from Visayas State University (VSU) for this prestigious program, with the other two attendees coming from the University of the Philippines (UP).
This achievement comes as no surprise, given Chris Jhunwyn's family history in the field of geodetic engineering. In fact, his great-grandfather, Ignacio Taghap Sr., was one of the pioneering Geodetic Engineers in the country. His grandfather, mother, and some of his cousins have also pursued careers in GE. One could say that it runs in the blood.
Moreover, Taghap is an active member of Viscan Youthmappers, an organization at VSU aimed at training and developing the skills of GE students in mapping, primarily using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools.
For him, this is an excellent opportunity to further localize the use of GIS tools in mapping due to their myriad of applications, and to introduce their advantages to more people, especially in addressing local issues.
Furthermore, through this program, Taghap believes that he will not only expand his own knowledge and skill set but also have the chance to connect with like-minded individuals from around the world, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and understanding.
The Asian Summer Class program, anchored on the theme "Geoinformatics for Sustainable Development", is renowned for its emphasis on expanding the use of GIS tools for mapping and geoinformatics, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of cutting-edge GIS techniques and their application in the field of geodetic engineering.
The program will encompass lecture sessions on climate information and water management, including the use of satellite technology and renewable energy. Participants will also engage in activities that will allow them to make hands-on applications of their knowledge in UAV data processing, geospatial analysis using 'free and open source software' (FOSS), and much more.
As Taghap prepares for the trip, he encourages other aspiring geodetic engineers to explore and take risks, to keep their eyes open, and to maintain their curiosity, as these will help them broaden their knowledge.