The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Space Agency have teamed up with the European Union for a program that will help in disaster mitigation, climate change adaptation and food security strategies using earth observation satellites.
The three bodies led on Monday, April 24, the launching of Copernicus Capacity Support Action Programme—the Western region bloc's initiative—that is worth around P610 million (10 million euros).
According to EU, Copernicus—the first space cooperation program—will help Philippine authorities to develop national systems to make use of EU's earth observation's satellites data in the mentioned areas of concerns.
It will free environment and climate data derived from a constellation of satellites—the Sentinels—that monitor the earth and its many ecosystems 24-hours daily.
"This free information aims to help public authorities, businesses, and international organisations mitigate climate change impacts and build a sustainable future for all," EU said.
In the Philippines, Copernicus' satellite images already helped the Philippines in monitoring the situation of remote communities in the aftermath of typhoons, such as Odette, or accidents like an oil spill to help authorities plan their disaster preparedness plans and mitigation programs.
EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron said during the launching that Copernicus in the Philippines "is a pioneer initiative in Asia and Asia Pacific and a starting point for a larger program on Digital Connectivity."
"The program will enhance capacities for a stronger and more shock-resilient Filipino economy and society," he said.
"In the long term the European Union is exploring the possibility to create a network of Copernicus partners in the ASEAN region aside from other parts of the world. The uptake of innovative technologies such as Copernicus will trigger growth, jobs and modernisation of digital infrastructures that can be used in many sectors in the Philippines," he added.