Philippines close to creating own space agency

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines may soon have its own space agency, a local version of the United States National Aeronautics Space Agency, following last week’s unanimous approval of House Bill 8541 or the “Philippine Space Development Act.”

Crafted in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and filed by Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, 297 lawmakers voted for the measure to establish a Philippine Space Development and Utilization policy and create the Philippine Space Agency.

PhilSA will be the primary agency that will spearhead the program of space science and technology access and applications, space research including remote sensing and gathering of crucial data related to natural disasters, and respond to the country’s need for a secure and independent access to space, Salceda said.

The program would help the Philippines safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity and develop its own science and technology through a space program that would also boost patriotism and nationalism, he added.

PhilSA will be the central government agency in charge of issues and activities related to space science, engineering and similar fields. It will be attached to DOST.

As conceptualized, PhilSA will be the primary policy, planning, coordinating, implementing and administrative body of the executive branch of government to plan, develop and promote a national space program in line with the Philippine Space Policy.

The Philippine Space Policy will prioritize programs on national security and development, hazard management and climate studies, space research and development, space industry and capacity building, space education and awareness and international cooperation.

A Senate version of the bill has already passed committee level deliberations and is expected to be approved soon on third and final reading.

The two versions will next go to the bicameral conference committee for consolidation before approval by President Duterte.