STO TOMAS - Christopher Jay De Claro, a faculty member of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sto. Tomas Campus and a software engineer, has developed an innovative digital platform titled “Mapping the PH.” This project offers an interactive and data-driven visualization of the Philippines, with its latest feature dedicated to mapping the 2025 Elections.

Accessible at https://cjdeclaro.github.io/mapping-the-ph/ , the platform allows users to navigate the entire country—down to the barangay level—through a browser-based map interface. It utilizes modern technologies such as Leaflet.js for dynamic map rendering and IndexedDB for efficient offline caching of large geographic datasets. The result is a fast, lightweight, and accessible tool designed for educators, students, researchers, journalists, and citizens interested in localized data.

Originally conceptualized as a technical challenge, “Mapping the PH” has since evolved into a civic tech initiative. Its core objective is to make geographic and political data more understandable and accessible, especially during key national events like elections. With the upcoming 2025 barangay elections, the platform provides a timely resource for tracking and understanding electoral developments at the grassroots level.

De Claro, who has been teaching information technology courses since 2019, emphasizes the importance of applying technical skills beyond the classroom. Through this project, he demonstrates how software development and open data can contribute to civic engagement and public awareness. His dual role as an educator and developer allows him to bridge academic learning with real-world impact.

The entire project is open-source, with its source code available in this github repository, encouraging collaboration and contribution from developers, data scientists, and civic-minded individuals.

The project also maintains an official Facebook page, where updates, announcements, and feature highlights are regularly posted. This page serves as a platform for engaging with the public, gathering feedback, and promoting digital literacy by showcasing how geographic and electoral data can be made accessible and meaningful through technology.

As the Philippines moves closer to the 2025 barangay elections, “Mapping the PH” stands out as a forward-thinking example of how technology can empower democratic participation—by placing crucial information into the hands of the people.