The City of Manila has received international recognition for its innovative use of Geographic Information System technology in strengthening disaster preparedness and emergency response.
Manila was conferred the Special Achievement in GIS Award by Esri during the Esri User Conference 2026 in San Diego, California.
Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso personally accepted the award together with the city’s delegation.
The Philippine capital was the only recipient from the country among 197 organizations selected from more than 100,000 Esri clients worldwide. Other awardees included government agencies and institutions from Singapore, Turkey, Switzerland, Japan, and Kenya, as well as Habitat for Humanity International.
The award recognized Manila’s use of GIS technology in disaster risk management through digital mapping, spatial analysis and real-time data monitoring.
These tools have helped improve the city’s response to flooding, fires and other emergencies across its six districts.
City officials said the recognition demonstrates the value of integrating advanced digital systems into local governance, allowing authorities to make faster decisions and conduct emergency operations more efficiently.
The award also reflects Manila’s continuing efforts to modernize public service delivery and provide residents with more reliable, efficient and responsive services, particularly during disasters and other emergencies.