By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr. 

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) is bringing its PINAS project in Ilocos Norte through a workshop which started today, November 23, at the Mariano Marcos State University - Teatro Ilocandia. The activity aims to promote the use of space data for development.

PINAS stands for Philippine Space Agency Integrated Network for Space-enabled Actions toward Sustainability. It is designed to empower various sectors to access and use space data and information for their needs.

Around a hundred representatives from the local government units and government agencies in Ilocos Norte, including MMSU personnel and college students, are participating in the workshop that will run until tomorrow, Nov. 24. 

The activity aims to teach the participants on mobilizing space data for information-based action. A hands-on session on the Open Data Kit Collect application will also be conducted to highlight the importance of field data in validating and calibrating information from satellite-derived maps. 

PhilSA Deputy Director General Gay Jane Perez said the workshop will identify LGUs’ and agencies’ needs and capabilities. Then, PhilSA will collaboratively develop a customized capacity-building approach and enable end-users to set up a system of space data access, sharing, and utilization. This would allow them to more efficiently perform their functions and respond to community needs.

“I salute and thank PhilSA for bringing this initiative to our region, which will enable us to appreciate the value of space data to address various environmental issues and challenges,” remarked MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis during the workshop’s opening program. 

President Agrupis said MMSU is eager to collaborate with the PINAS since it is using remote sensing and geographic information systems in conducting research activities related to agriculture development, climate change mitigation, and disaster risk management. 

For his part, provincial chief of staff Juan Alfonso Jose said utilizing space data will help the province increase agricultural productivity, deliver more efficient land and water resource management, and improve internet connectivity. 

Batac Mayor Albert Chua expressed hope the project will significantly contribute to local governance, particularly in policy formulation. 

Created under Republic Act 11363, PhilSA is the central government agency addressing national issues and activities related to space science and technology applications. It is an agency attached under the Office of the President. (HLY/JVBT,StratCom)