On this day, July 29, the Department of Geodetic Engineering (DGE) and the Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry (TCAGP), turned over copies of the “Philippine Journal of Geodesy and Photogrammetry (1966-1967 editions)” to the College of Engineering Library. These journals are among the earliest known engineering publications at the University of the Philippines—predating even the Philippine Engineering Journal (PEJ), which began in 1980.

The rediscovery and turnover of the journals mark a milestone not only for the College of Engineering but also for the larger UP community, as this reflects the early research contributions of the College and affirms UP’s pioneering role in advancing geospatial science in the Philippines.

“These journals are not just archival materials. They are a testament to the pioneering work of Filipino scholars and practitioners in geodesy and photogrammetry, produced during a time when our discipline was just beginning to establish its identity in the country,” said Florence A. Galeon, Former DGE Chairman and TCAGP Director.

“This is like the passing of the baton from the previous generation to the next” Ayin M. Tamondong, DGE Chairman and TCAGP Director.

Among the first editors and contributors to the journal were notable figures in the field such as Prof. Cristy Hernandez, Prof. Norberto Vila, and Prof. Genaro Marzan, among others—whose works helped spread the intellectual foundations of geodesy and photogrammetry in the country.

“Ito kasi ay isang halimbawa ng isang precious Filipiniana material… Dito sa Pilipinas, bihira talaga tayong magkaroon ng mga local journals. So we're going to digitize it for (1) preservation and (2) for access.” said Sharon Maria S. Esposo-Betan, Head of the Library.

“We won’t be here forever, so we need to have this preserved for the next generations to come, and there's no better organization to do that than the College Library,” Czar Jakiri S. Sarmiento, Deputy Executive Director of the National Engineering Center, added.