“Space technology is no longer a concept that only scientists and engineers appreciate — it is now woven into our everyday life,” stated President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., emphasizing space technology’s central role in governance, disaster management and development, during the country’s hosting of the 31st Session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum in Shangri-La Mactan Cebu, Lapu-Lapu City. Speaking before space leaders, scientists, researchers, students, astronauts and policymakers in Asia-Pacific, he highlighted the Forum as an essential platform for regional cooperation, experience-sharing and advancing space capabilities across the region. With the Philippines hosting this year and carrying the theme ‘Empowering the Region through Space Ecosystems in Action,’ President Marcos Jr. emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to contributing to the region’s collective development. According to the President, a major upcoming milestone is the completion of the Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment (MULA) satellite, which will become the Philippines’ largest Earth observation satellite. The project highlights the country’s ambitions in comprehensive Earth observation and data-driven decision-making. He also highlighted a major partnership announced last year between the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) and the European Commission (EC), through the Copernicus Capacity Support Action Programme, which established the Copernicus Data Centre — the first of its kind in Asia. The facility stores and processes Copernicus Earth Observation data, with pilot services designed to provide Filipino experts and decision-makers with access to it. “All these initiatives are guided by a simple conviction: Space must serve the people. In this very pursuit, your efforts are more crucial than ever… So together, let us shape an Asia-Pacific region that harnesses space capabilities to confront climate change, strengthen disaster resilience, [and] spark inclusive economic growth,” President Marcos Jr. said in concluding his message. | Radio Television Malacañang

President Marcos Jr.Underscores Space Technology’s Vital Role in National & Regional Advancement

CEBU CITY – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. today declared that space technology is no longer limited to the realm of scientists and engineers, but is now integral to daily life, emphasizing its importance for governance, disaster management, and national development. He made the statement while addressing leaders, scientists, researchers, students, astronauts, and policymakers at the 31st Session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum, hosted by the Philippines at the Shangri-La Mactan Cebu in Lapu-Lapu City.

The Forum, themed ‘Empowering the Region through Space Ecosystems in Action,’ serves as a crucial platform for regional collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and the advancement of space capabilities throughout the Asia-pacific region. President marcos Jr. affirmed the philippines’ dedication to contributing to the region’s overall progress, citing key initiatives demonstrating the country’s growing commitment to space-based solutions.

A significant milestone, the President noted, is the nearing completion of the Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment (MULA) satellite – poised to become the philippines’ largest Earth observation satellite. This project underscores the nation’s ambition for comprehensive Earth observation and data-driven decision-making. He also highlighted a landmark partnership forged last year between the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) and the European Commission (EC) through the Copernicus Capacity Support Action Program. This collaboration resulted in the establishment of the first Copernicus Data Center in Asia, dedicated to storing and processing Copernicus Earth Observation data, and providing Filipino experts and decision-makers with access to vital details.

“All these initiatives are guided by a simple conviction: Space must serve the people,” President Marcos Jr. stated. “In this very pursuit, your efforts are more crucial then ever… So together, let us shape an Asia-Pacific region that harnesses space capabilities to confront climate change, strengthen disaster resilience, [and] spark inclusive economic growth.” (Radio Television Malacañang)