Ano Ba Ang Ginagawa Ng Mga Geodetic Engineers?

Summary

In the 8th episode of Usapang Lupa Season 2, Atty. George Katigbak and Atty. Erwin Tiamson welcome Engr. Ferdinand Clemeno, president of the Geodetic Engineers of the Philippines, Inc., to discuss the vital role of geodetic engineers in land surveying and titling. The conversation covers the profession's wide scope, including the use of advanced equipment like total stations and GNSS, and their involvement in various sectors such as housing, infrastructure, and mining. The episode also addresses the career paths for geodetic engineers and provides guidance on how to find and verify their services, emphasizing their importance in resolving land-related issues.

Takeaways

• 📡 Geodetic engineers play a crucial role in land-related matters, such as surveying land for titles and construction projects.
• 🔧 Geodetic engineers use advanced tools like the total station and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for precise measurements.
• 🏗️ They are key contributors to government infrastructure projects, such as DPWH’s Build! Build! Build! program, where they define the boundaries and locations of roads and structures.
• 📊 Geodetic engineering involves gathering and presenting physical data from the Earth’s surface to create maps and technical descriptions used by various agencies.
• 💼 Career paths for geodetic engineers are diverse, including working on subdivision designs, road projects, mining claims, and even space-related projects with the Philippine Space Agency.
• 💰 The cost of geodetic engineering services varies, with subdivision surveys starting at around 20,000 pesos and relocation surveys for one hectare ranging from 25,000 to 30,000 pesos.
• 📏 Geodetic engineers also provide services like verification surveys to resolve land disputes, topographic surveys for infrastructure projects, and location plans for building permits.
• 📅 Geodetic engineers are essential in projects by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to distribute land titles to farmer-beneficiaries.
• 🎓 For credibility checks, the public can verify geodetic engineers through the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) or the Geodetic Engineers of the Philippines’ official Facebook page.
• 🎙️ The Usapang Lupa series educates the public about land-related professions and processes, and its next episode will cover applying for bank loans and land mortgages.

Q & A

What is the role of geodetic engineers in land-related matters?

Geodetic engineers play a crucial role in land-related matters by measuring land boundaries and creating maps needed in land titling. They submit their measurements to the DENR for approval, ensuring the land has an approved technical description and map before it can be issued a title.

What equipment do geodetic engineers commonly use for their work?

Geodetic engineers commonly use a total station or engineer's transit to measure land boundaries. They also utilize the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for accurate positioning and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) for conducting topographic surveys.

How are geodetic engineers involved in the construction industry?

In the construction industry, geodetic engineers are often the first on site to measure the land and determine the exact location for building structures. They are referred to as the 'marines' of the construction industry due to their initial and critical role in project planning and execution.

What career paths are available for geodetic engineers after graduation?

Geodetic engineers have numerous career path options including working in housing projects, participating in government infrastructure projects like those by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), conducting land surveys for the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), working in the mining industry, and even contributing to space-related projects under the Philippine Space Agency.

How does a geodetic engineer's work contribute to housing projects?

Geodetic engineers contribute to housing projects by accurately measuring land for subdivisions, creating approved technical descriptions, and ensuring individual titles are granted. This process is essential for Pag-IBIG to grant housing loans to potential homeowners.

What is the significance of the term 'mohon' in the context of geodetic engineering?

A 'mohon' refers to a concrete marker that defines the boundary of a land property. Geodetic engineers are involved in the relocation or reestablishment of these boundary markers when they are missing or have eroded over time, ensuring the accurate demarcation of land properties.

What are the services offered by geodetic engineers, and how are their rates determined?

Geodetic engineers offer various services including subdivision surveys, relocation surveys, verification surveys, topographic surveys, and the preparation of location plans. Their rates are determined using an approved tariff, with prices varying based on the type of service, the number of lots or hectares involved, and the complexity of the project.

How can one verify the credibility and licensing of a geodetic engineer?

To verify the credibility and licensing of a geodetic engineer, one can visit the official Facebook page of the Geodetic Engineers of the Philippines, Inc., or check the Professional Regulation Commission's website by entering the engineer's name and PRC license number.

What is the starting rate for a subdivision survey conducted by geodetic engineers?

The starting rate for a subdivision survey conducted by geodetic engineers may begin at 20,000 pesos per lot, with the price decreasing as the number of lots increases.

How do geodetic engineers assist in resolving land ownership issues in courts?

Geodetic engineers assist in resolving land ownership issues in courts by serving as expert witnesses. They provide explanations about lot boundaries and help clarify conflicts between neighbors or landowners, using their expertise in land surveying and mapping.