UP GE Club unveils NatGES 2026, expanding legacy summit for wider geodetic community

The University of the Philippines Geodetic Engineering Club (UP GE Club) is set to mark a new milestone as it officially launches the National Geodetic Engineering Summit (NatGES) 2026, marking the rebranding of its long-running flagship event, formerly known as the Geodetic Engineering Students Conference (GESC).

The two-day event, scheduled for April 10-11, carries the theme “Beyond Boundaries, Into New Frontiers”, reflecting how the event has grown beyond its original student-centered setup.

What started as a space mainly for students now brings together a broader geodetic engineering community, with participants ranging from undergraduates and alumni to professionals and industry practitioners.

According to the organizers, the shift to NatGES signals a move to open more conversations across different sectors of the field, especially as geodetic engineering and geomatics continue to expand into new applications and technologies.

Core academic sessions remain at the heart of the summit, with talks, colloquia, and demonstrations led by faculty members and industry professionals tackling current trends and real-world practices.

Participants will also get to engage in a lineup of competitions that test both technical knowledge and practical skills.

The conference features competitions such as the Map Making and Presentation Competition and Surveylympics, challenging participants to apply their knowledge and strengthen both their analytical and field-based skills.

A research colloquium and other contests will further give students a platform to present ideas and measure their understanding of the discipline alongside peers from different institutions.

Beyond the academic and technical side, the summit also opens opportunities for industry exposure. The event will feature industry-leading firms in geodetic engineering and geomatics, providing a platform for participants to explore field innovations and various career opportunities.

More than just lectures and competitions, NatGES 2026 also leans into community-building as the summit will close with a Socials Night, where delegates can connect and celebrate after the series of activities.

Expanding beyond the usual, the event also features new segments such as Mr. and Ms. GE, recognizing personality and representation within the community, and activities that bring student leaders together, fostering stronger networks within and beyond the discipline.

With its rebranding, NatGES positions itself not only as a continuation of a well-established tradition, but also as a forward-looking summit that reflects the growing role of geodetic engineering in addressing modern challenges and advancing national development.

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