He highlighted the vital role of space science and technology in climate resilience, disaster response, and sustainable development.
On Friday, November 21, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made his speech at the the 31st Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-31) in Cebu, which brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders in space science and technology from over 40 countries to discuss space-driven solutions and strengthen regional cooperation.
During which, he urged delegates to share expertise, engage in meaningful dialogue, and implement responsible space strategies that benefit the Asia-Pacific region.
“Space must serve the people,” Marcos said. “At the 31st Session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum, we are reminded of how deeply space exploration touches and transforms the lives of our people,” the President added.
For over three decades, he said, APRSAF has served as a “vital platform for regional collaboration in space, enabling countries to exchange insights, strengthen partnerships, and advance collective capabilities.”
PBBM also noted that the Philippines’ second hosting of APRSAF, with the first being in 2016, reflects the country’s growing role and commitment to regional space development.
“This is how we translate our shared commitment into action: by expanding space science and technology and ensuring that outer space remains a domain of responsible stewardship,” the Chief Executive furthered.
Amid the climate crisis, complex disatsers, and development gaps, Marcos, Jr. also underlined the importance of the forum.
“These challenges weigh even more heavily on us because of where we stand on the map. Situated along the Pacific typhoon belt and the Pacific Ring of Fire, our country endures an average of 19 to 20 Tropical Cyclones each year as well as an average of 20 recorded earthquakes per day,” the President said.
He added that Asia-Pacific nations are turning to space science to improve governance, protect the environment, and promote inclusive development.
Meanwhile, the President also recognized the work done by the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), including its role in promoting space science and technology and disaster risk mitigation and prevention.
“They regularly generate and distribute satellite data to national and local governments, researchers, and the private sector,” Marcos said. “These are used to aid disaster risk reduction and management as well as monitor the country’s maritime domain, among others.”
He mentioned the Copernicus Data Centre, which was opened last year by PhilSA and the European Commission through the National Copernicus Capacity Support Action Programme for the Philippines.
“It is the first Copernicus Earth Observation data storage and processing facility in Asia. Through its pilot services, we bring data into the hands of Filipino experts and decision-makers,” the President stated.
Marcos also expressed his enthusiasm for the impending completion of the Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment (MULA) satellite, which is set to be the country’s largest earth observation satellite.