Background
Only a few of the 1,650 LGUs in the Philippines (consisting of cities, towns and rural municipalities of various classes) have established a functional local Geographic Information System (GIS). However, majority of them, including low-income towns, are now using computers mainly for word processing and spreadsheets.

Introduction
The design of implementation of a GIS is a major, long-term undertaking. The entire process, from when the LGU becomes aware of the technology through to when it is finally implemented takes one or more years. The implementation of a GIS is where technology and people meet and computer-generated data is a potent political tool in its power to influence. The introduction of new technology will also change an organization in ways that cannot be entirely predicted. Likewise, new ideas, such as GIS, have to be ‘sold’ within the LGU.

Most GIS are complex systems. All computer systems can be prone to failures, hence consideration should be given to the probability of such failures, the potential effects they have on operations, and the recovery procedures to be used. The more consequences there are due to failure, the more important it becomes to have alternative methods to generate specific information.

Recommended List of Actions in the Future
The following is an ideal step by step implementation process for the establishment of GIS in an LGU, particularly for its use in the preparation of the CLUP. It is a process that is facilitated by the HLURB, and it is assumed in this case that the target municipality has not used GIS before

Action taken by: ACTIVITY DOCUMENTATION 1 HLURB HLURB promotes the CLUP GIS Starting Package and training opportunities at occasions where LGU representatives meet. Attends and gives information about CLUP GIS at the annual meetings of League of Municipalities/Cities, Councilors League, Vice-Mayor’s League, Union of Local Administrator of the Philippines , League of Planners and Development Coordinators of the Philippines, PIEP, and the like. Information Leaflet Homepage 2 LGU LGU decides to update CLUP and wants to use GIS; approaches HLURB RO to seek advice. Letter of Intent 3 CPDC/MPDC with HLURB HLURB visits the LGU, briefs them about local GIS for CLUP preparation and about the GIS Cookbook, training program, the Starting Package and assesses the feasibility for GIS development in the LGU. Invitation letter to LGU representatives PowerPoint presentation on Local GIS Information Leaflet LGU Computerization Proficiency Form 4 HLURB, LGU If the study finds it feasible that the LGU has enough resources and capability to start up a GIS, a MoA between HLURB and the LGU is signed. Memorandum of Agreement on the cooperation for the CLUP and GIS GIS Start Package CV for the 2 trainees List of issues to bring to the Basic/beginner Training 5 LGU The CLUP Budget (including cost for GIS) is prepared and approved. CLUP Budget SB Resolution authorizing the LCE to enter into MOA SB Resolution regarding the CLUP Budget 6 LGU Procurement of hardware and software. Bidding Documents 7 HLURB CO HLURB transmits fresh information on LGU GIS status to the National GIS Literacy Level Survey. National GIS Literacy Level (ArcView) Project 8 HLURB HLURB assists in the inventory and compilation of available data at national/regional level that can be used in the CLUP GIS, as provided in the MOA. List of secondary source materials to be used during CLUP preparation. CD with data 9 LGU LGU trainees, one of whom should be the appointed GIO, prepare for the training. List of Issues to bring to the Basic/Beginner Training Travel Order 10 HLURB HLURB prepares for the Basic/beginner Training. List of Trainees Budget Presentation Course Agenda List of Resource Persons Course Material compiled in a ring file Checklist for logistics (accommodation, transport, venue, hardware and software, meals, snacks, etc.) Performance Test Course Evaluation Form CD/floppy with the work results from the training Certificates 11 HLURB CO LGU HLURB conducts Basic/Beginner training.   12 HLURB HLURB instructs LGU trainees about the interim activities to be undertaken by the LGU after the Basic/beginner and prior to the Applied CLUP Training. List of databases and other materials to be prepared prior to the Applied CLUP Training 13 HLURB RO/CO HLURB evaluates the performance of the LGU at Basic/beginner Training and determines if it is feasible to conduct the CLUP GIS Applied Training LGU Evaluation Form 14 HLURB RO HLURB starts up the Log Book of communications with the LGU, which records the actions taken and the results thereof. Log Book format 15 LGU LGU trainees brief the local officials and heads of different offices. CD with the work results from the training Power Point presentation on Local GIS 16 LGU LGU trainees with the help of LGU staff prepare databases and other materials to be used during the Applied CLUP Training. List of databases and other materials to be prepared prior to the Applied CLUP Training 17 HLURB HLURB prepares for Applied CLUP Training List of Trainees (hopefully the same as previous) Budget Presentation Course Agenda List of Resource Persons Course Material compiled in a ring file Checklist for logistics (accommodation, transport, venue, hardware and software, meals, snacks, etc.) Performance Test Course Evaluation Form CD/floppy with the work results from the training Certificates 18 LGU LGU trainees prepare for the Applied CLUP Training List of Issues to bring to the Applied CLUP Training Travel Order 19 HLURB LGU HLURB conducts Applied CLUP Training Action Plan 20 LGU LGU prepares Action Plan (Short Term Plan) based on above   21 LGU LGU trainees present their achievements in Applied CLUP Training in a wider forum and initiate the formation of an LGU GIS Task Force with representatives from various departments. CD/floppy with the work results from the training LGU GIS Implementation Strategy 22 LGU The LGU mobilizes the LGU GIS Task Force that will review and update the existing data in preparation of applicable GIS databases. LGU Metadatabase 23 LGU LGU GIS Task Force prepares a list of prioritized activities regarding compilation of attribute data. LGU Metadatabase 24 LGU LGU GIS Task Force prepares a list of analogue map information that need to be digitized. LGU Metadatabase 25 HLURB During one-year period after the Applied Training, HLURB extends back up support to the LGU as per Start Package agreement. Log Book 26 LGU LGU GIS Task Force prepares a GIS Implementation Plan. GIS Implementation Plan-Guidelines Protocols from the Local Chief Executive. 27 HLURB Within one year after the Applied Training, HLURB performs an evaluation of the progress of GIS development and revises the National GIS Literacy Level. National GIS Literacy Level (ArcView) project 28 LGU LGU provides the updated Geographic Data to HLURB on an annual basis. MOA 29 HLURB HLURB delivers data to concerned Central Institutions for sharing.

The linkage between the steps in the CLUP Planning Process and the CLUP GIS Implementation Strategy is shown below.