Adoption of the Framework for the Development of the Modern Philippine Geodetic Reference System (PGRS) for Sustainable Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) Management

DENR Administrative Order No. 2025-31

Subject: Adoption of the Framework for the Development of the Modern Philippine Geodetic Reference System (PGRS) for Sustainable ENR Management

Signed: October 2025 . Published: The Philippine Star, February 13, 2026 . Acknowledged: ONAR, U.P. Law Center, February 2026

Legal Basis

Executive Order No. 192 and Executive Order No. 45, s. 1993, as amended by EO 280, s. 2000 and EO 321, s. 2004, which adopted the Philippine Reference System of 1992 (PRS92) as the standard for all surveys; aligned with UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/69/266 on a Global Geodetic Reference Frame.

Why Modernize

PRS92 is a local, static system developed in 1989 to 1992. Tectonic plate motion of about 30 mm per year northeast has shifted positions by roughly 0.9 meters over 30 years, and some Luzon stations have moved over a meter since 1993. A modern system is needed for GNSS compatibility, deformation monitoring, FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) geodetic data, and international commitments.

The Modern PGRS

A four-dimensional (latitude, longitude, height, time) reference aligned to a global geodetic reference frame and accounting for ground deformation, comprising:

• Philippine Geocentric Datum of 2025 (PGD2025): a semi-dynamic horizontal datum aligned with the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF).
• Philippine Geodetic Vertical Datum of 2025 (PGVD2025): a height reference based on a mean-sea-level-fitted geoid.
• Supporting models: a national deformation model, distortion grids for PRS92 and Luzon 1911 datasets, a refined geoid model (PGM2025, targeting 10 cm accuracy or better), and official transformation parameters between PRS92 and PGD2025.

Implementation Strategies (Annex A Framework)

• Densify the geodetic network: at least 200 Active Geodetic Stations in the Philippine Active Geodetic Network (PAGeNet), about 80,000 passive control points, a re-established vertical level network, gravity stations at a maximum 2 km spacing per municipality, and unified control points with position, elevation, and gravity values.
• Update survey policies and move toward uncertainty-based accuracy standards.
• Integrate existing geospatial datasets into the new system once a new Executive Order mandates adoption.
• Build a centralized web platform for FAIR geodetic products, capacity building, and continuous maintenance.

Institutional Roles

• NAMRIA: develops, realizes, and maintains the PGRS, issues transformation parameters and connection manuals.
• Land Management Bureau: prepares land datasets for integration and studies legal implications for titling (2025 to 2030).
• DENR Regional Offices: establish active stations, re-observe control points, prepare datasets, and revitalize the Adopt-a-Mojon program with LGUs.
• A Technical Working Group chaired by NAMRIA's Mapping and Geodesy Branch Director, with LMB as vice chair, monitors implementation.

Transitory Provision

Agencies integrate their geospatial datasets into the new system only upon approval of a new Executive Order mandating adoption of the modern PGRS. Until then, PRS92 remains the legal standard.

Effectivity

Takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication and upon filing with ONAR.

Signed by Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla. Summary prepared by EnviSynergy from the official DENR issuance; refer to the full text for binding provisions.