2026 SAG Award Winners

Manila City Government

Project Goal

The Manila Innovation Integrated GIS and Data Hub is a strategic initiative of the City Government of Manila to institutionalize geospatial technology in governance, planning, and public service. Built on ArcGIS, it integrates spatial and non-spatial data into a centralized platform, enabling real-time visualization, spatial analytics, and inter-agency collaboration. Consolidated datasets support informed planning, efficient resource allocation, and emergency response. The system serves multiple sectors, including disaster risk reduction, health surveillance, business regulation, tax mapping, education planning, and public safety. Advanced tools such as drone-based mapping, 2D/3D visualization, and real-time dashboards enhance monitoring, risk assessment, and scenario simulation. The initiative aligns with the digital transformation agenda of Francisco “Isko Moreno” M. Domagoso, promoting transparency, resilience, operational efficiency, and data-driven governance.

Business Problem Solved

Prior to its implementation, undersigned addressed major governance challenges in the City Government of Manila caused by fragmented and siloed data across departments. Inconsistent formats and lack of standards limited accessibility and hindered effective decision-making. Critical datasets, including hazard maps, infrastructure,& population data, were not easily integrated,affecting risk assessments and coordinated responses, particularly in DRRM. Revenue generation was constrained by discrepancies in property records due to manual & outdated tax mapping processes, resulting in errors & revenue leakage. Operational inefficiencies were evident in paper-based systems,delayed services & weak coordination.It resolves these issues by integrating data enabling standardization,real-time access, improved accuracy, and efficient data sharing. This strengthens situational awareness,supports evidence-based decisions, enhances service delivery, promotes transparency,accountability in governance.

Technology Implemented

The Manila Innovation Integrated GIS and Data Hub is built on Esri’s ArcGIS platform, supporting efficient geospatial data management and use. ArcGIS Online enables cloud-based access and collaboration, while ArcGIS Enterprise ensures secure and scalable operations. ArcGIS Pro is used for advanced spatial analysis, mapping, and 3D modeling, supporting planning and infrastructure management. Field data is collected through ArcGIS Survey123 and ArcGIS Field Maps, allowing accurate and real-time updates. ArcGIS Dashboards provide interactive visualizations for monitoring and decision-making, especially in emergencies. ArcGIS StoryMaps enhance public communication through clear, accessible presentations. The system also uses drone technology and photogrammetry to produce detailed spatial data. Overall, these tools form a reliable and scalable geospatial infrastructure that supports effective governance, resilience, and long-term strategic planning initiatives.

Development Team Biography

The Manila Innovation Integrated GIS and Data Hub is managed by a multidisciplinary team of GIS professionals, IT specialists, and sectoral experts, ensuring technical reliability and alignment with operational needs. GIS analysts perform data processing, spatial analysis, and mapping using ArcGIS to generate actionable insights. IT specialists maintain system infrastructure, cybersecurity, performance, and integration. Field survey teams utilize mobile GIS tools to conduct ground validation, collect geospatial data, and support tax mapping, disaster assessment, and asset inventory. Sectoral focal persons from key offices contribute domain-specific data to ensure system relevance and accuracy. Continuous training and certification within the Esri ecosystem strengthen technical capacity and sustainability. Strategic leadership from the City Government of Manila, supported by the Manila City DRRM Department, ensures sustained implementation, innovation, and long-term system development.

Company Overview

The Manila Innovation Integrated GIS and Data Hub operates under the City Government of Manila through the Manila City DRRM Department. As one of the oldest and most densely populated cities in the Philippines, Manila faces complex challenges in urban density, infrastructure, disaster risk, and service delivery. In response, the city has advanced digital transformation to strengthen governance, transparency, and innovation. It was established as a core modernization initiative supporting data-driven governance. Under the leadership of Francisco “Isko Moreno” M. Domagoso, technology integration including geospatial systems and analytic has been prioritized to enable evidence-based decisions. It functions as a geospatial and analytics hub supporting cross-sector collaboration in disaster management, health, business, education, and public safety. This commitment to innovation positions Manila as a leader in local e-governance and smart city development.

Return on Investment

The Manila Innovation Integrated GIS and Data Hub has delivered significant financial and operational returns. A key outcome is a 12% increase in real property tax revenue through GIS-based validation, which identified discrepancies and improved assessment accuracy. Operationally, GIS has strengthened disaster risk reduction by enhancing hazard mapping, evacuation planning, and emergency response. In the health sector, it supports disease surveillance and efficient resource allocation. The system improves efficiency by reducing manual processes, minimizing duplication, and enabling real-time data sharing. Verified geospatial data lessens the need for frequent field inspections, reducing manpower demands and accelerating workflows. Intangible benefits include improved transparency, public trust, and inter-agency coordination. Overall, the investment demonstrates that GIS adoption is financially viable and supports data-driven governance, resilience, and sustainable urban management.