The City Government of Manila has received the 2026 Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award from global geospatial technology leader Esri, becoming the only Philippine recipient among 197 organizations recognized worldwide during the Esri User Conference in San Diego, California.
Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso announced the recognition on Thursday, calling it “a great honor” not only for Manila but for the entire country.
The award recognized Manila’s use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology through initiatives that strengthen disaster risk reduction, emergency response, urban planning, and public service delivery.
The Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award is one of Esri’s highest recognitions, given annually to organizations that demonstrate innovative and impactful use of geospatial technology in governance and public service. Awardees are selected from more than 100,000 Esri client organizations worldwide.
According to Moreno, Manila was the lone Philippine awardee among this year’s honorees.
“Hindi po ito tsamba,” Moreno said, attributing the achievement to the efforts of the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department headed by Director Arnel Eustacio Angeles, the city’s GIS Team, and other government personnel who helped develop and implement the system.
Moreno also acknowledged Atty. Ma. Cristina Fernandez, Ramon Jefferson Verano, and Christian John Evangelista, who joined him in receiving the award in California.
The mayor said the recognition reflects Manila’s commitment to investing in modern technology to improve public safety and government services.
“Kapag namumuhunan tayo sa makabagong teknolohiya, namumuhunan din tayo sa kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan,” Moreno said.
He added that the city will continue using innovation and data-driven governance to build a safer, more prepared, and more resilient Manila.
