President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday called for greater utilization of space technology to address natural disasters, strengthen climate resilience and promote inclusive development.
During the 31st Session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) held at Shangri-La Mactan in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Marcos emphasized the transformative role of space science and technology in everyday life.
“Space technology is no longer a concept that only scientists and engineers appreciate—it is now woven into our everyday life,” he said.
Marcos cited satellite imagery used for disaster preparedness, weather forecasts that inform daily decisions, and navigation systems that guide millions of Filipinos as examples of its practical applications.
Marcos stressed the urgency of space-based solutions in disaster-prone countries like the Philippines.
He noted that the Philippines, situated along the Pacific typhoon belt and the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences an average of 19 to 20 tropical cyclones annually and around 20 recorded earthquakes every day.
“The world faces intensifying climate crisis, increasingly complex disasters, and widening development gaps. These challenges weigh even more heavily on us because of where we stand on the map,” Marcos said.
“At the same time, humanity stands at the threshold of extraordinary breakthroughs—none more visible than in the field of space. Across the Asia-Pacific, nations are turning to space science as a means to improve governance, protect the environment, and to champion inclusive development,” he added.
Marcos cited that the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), as the country’s lead institution in advancing space science and technology over the past six years, regularly generates and distributes satellite data to government agencies, local governments, researchers, and private-sector partners.
He said the data from PhilSA are crucial in disaster risk reduction, maritime domain monitoring, and other applications.
He also highlighted major milestones in the country’s space program, including the Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment (MULA) satellite, poised to be the Philippines’ largest earth observation satellite.
Marcos expressed excitement over the satellite’s completion, which is expected to significantly enhance the country’s capacity to monitor land and environmental changes.
Another notable development, Marcos said, is the establishment of the Copernicus Data Centre in partnership with the European Commission, under the National Copernicus Capacity Support Action Programme.
The facility, the first of its kind in Asia, stores and processes Earth Observation data, making critical information accessible to Filipino experts and decision-makers.
“All these initiatives are guided by a simple conviction: Space must serve the people,” Marcos said.
Marcos urged delegates to share their experiences, engage in meaningful dialogue, and implement effective strategies anchored in the responsible use of space technology.
He also called for a collective regional effort to leverage space science in confronting climate change, enhancing disaster resilience, and fostering inclusive economic growth.
“Together, let us shape an Asia-Pacific region that harnesses space capabilities to confront climate change, strengthen disaster resilience, and spark inclusive economic growth,” he said.
The APRSAF, which has served as a key regional platform for cooperation in space science for over three decades, brings together policymakers, scientists and industry leaders to exchange knowledge, build partnerships, and enhance regional space capabilities.
This year’s forum carries the theme “Empowering the Region through Space Ecosystem in Action”, focusing on capability enhancement, space exploration, and industry development.
The APRSAF 31 attracted delegates from across the Asia-Pacific, including representatives from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, regional space agencies, government officials and industry leaders, highlighting the Philippines’ growing role as a hub for space-enabled solutions in disaster management and sustainable development. (PNA)