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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH space agency partners with UN body to step up disaster preparedness, response

PH space agency partners with UN body to step up disaster preparedness, response

Published Jun 4, 2021 03:17 pm

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has partnered with the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in a bid to boost the country’s emergency response and disaster preparedness.

(MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

In a virtual ceremony on Friday, June 4, PhilSA Director General Joel Joseph S. Marciano, Jr. and UNOOSA Director Simonetta Di Pippo signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which seeks to enhance the use of space science and technology for socio-economic and sustainable development objectives.

“One of the targets of the cooperation under the MOU is to further build capacity for the efficient and expanded use of space-based information satellite imagery,” Marciano said in a public briefing.

“The agreement between PhilSA and UNOOSA aims to further strengthen our capability to develop and use space technologies so that we can prepare agencies and communities during disasters, calamities and emergencies,” he added.

Likewise, he underscored the importance of the partnership in raising the productivity in agriculture, environmental protection and preservation, and other socio-economic programs of the country.

In an earlier statement, Marciano highlighted the significance of the agreement between the agency and the UN body in promoting space science in the Philippines.

“The MOU is an important step for the country as we continue to build the local space ecosystem and cascade the benefits of space science, technology and applications to society,” he said.

“It signifies our desire to be an active participant and contributor within the community of nations committed to the peaceful uses of outer space,” he added.

PhilSA was created by virtue of Republic Act 11363 or “The Philippine Space Act” which was enacted into law on August 2019.

It serves as the primary policy, planning, coordinating, implementing, and administrative entity of the government that will plan, develop, and promote the national space program.

The newly formed agency is also the central government institution that is in charge of addressing all national issues and activities related to space science and technology applications (SSTA).

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united-nations Philippine Space Agency Disaster response
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