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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DPWH, PhilSA adopt satellite technology for real-time infrastructure oversight

DPWH, PhilSA adopt satellite technology for real-time infrastructure oversight

Published Nov 3, 2025 11:58 am
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon and Philippine Space Agency Officer-in-Charge Gay Jane Perez hold the signed memorandum of agreement formalizing satellite-based infrastructure monitoring during ceremonies at the DPWH central office in Port Area, Manila on Nov. 3, 2025. (Photo courtesy of DPWH)
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon and Philippine Space Agency Officer-in-Charge Gay Jane Perez hold the signed memorandum of agreement formalizing satellite-based infrastructure monitoring during ceremonies at the DPWH central office in Port Area, Manila on Nov. 3, 2025. (Photo courtesy of DPWH)
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Monday, Nov. 3 reinforced government efforts to uphold integrity in public construction by adopting satellite-based oversight to verify infrastructure progress nationwide and curb “ghost” projects.
The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of agreement signed by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon and PhilSA Officer-in-Charge Gay Jane Perez, granting the DPWH access to satellite imagery and other space-enabled systems for independent project monitoring and validation.
Under the agreement, PhilSA will provide satellite-captured data to help the DPWH verify, assess, and track ongoing and completed public works nationwide with greater precision and reduced reliance on manual field checks.
Dizon noted that past lapses in inspection allowed questionable project claims to slip through.
He stressed that the adoption of modern imaging and automated tracking will bolster internal controls and ensure public funds translate to visible, verifiable progress on the ground.
“Kaya naman nakalusot itong mga ghost projects at itong mga napakalantarang panlilinlang o panloloko sa taumbayan ay dahil hindi namo-monitor nang maigi at epektibo ang mga proyekto (These ghost projects and blatant deceptions against the public slipped through due to inadequate and ineffective monitoring),” he said.
Perez said PhilSA’s satellite data are objective and resistant to tampering, adding that construction sites can be monitored multiple times throughout a project’s timeline for consistent oversight.
“Ang unique data po na binibigay natin dito ay ‘yong mga imahe kuha ng mga satellites natin (The unique data we provide are images captured by our satellites),” she said.
She added that broader digital access to satellite information will increase transparency and discourage irregularities in infrastructure implementation.
Both agencies emphasized that the system will provide a verifiable platform to match government records with actual construction developments, with minimal human intervention and improved accountability.
The DPWH said integrating satellite technology is part of ongoing reforms to modernize infrastructure governance, restore public trust, and safeguard national development projects from misuse, delays, and fraudulent claims.

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